REACH regulation: implementation and preparation for stricter regulations such as PFAS

The REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) has been a fundamental regulation for all companies that use chemical substances in production or processing for over 15 years. It covers all players in the supply chain - from manufacturers to processors and distributors to downstream users. A central element of the REACH regulation is the SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) candidate list, which is regularly updated by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

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New challenges due to the PFAS restriction

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As part of the chemicals strategy for sustainability, the EU Commission now envisages an amendment to chemicals legislation and, in particular, a revision and tightening of the REACH Regulation as the greatest lever for action. On January 13, 2023, a proposal to restrict PFAS (perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) as a group was presented. This is a restriction proposal that covers all uses of PFAS. The proposed ban was developed under the REACH Regulation by authorities from Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway and Sweden. The aim of the ban is to drastically reduce the release of PFAS into the environment.

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On March 22, 2023, this proposal for a ban on manufacture, use and placing on the market (including import) was published by ECHA. This is one of the most comprehensive proposals since the REACH Regulation came into force in 2007.

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Why REACH compliance is so important

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The regular expansion of the SVHC list and the planned PFAS restrictions present companies with a continuous need to adapt. Compliance with REACH requirements not only protects the environment and health, but is also an essential factor for maintaining competitiveness on the European and global market.

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Steps towards REACH compliance and preparation for future restrictions

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In our white paper you will find a structured guide to implementing the REACH regulation in 5 steps:

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1. review of the supplier base: ensure that all suppliers comply with REACH requirements and, if necessary, identify alternative suppliers who do not use PFAS.

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2. recording of all SVHC substances: continuous monitoring of our own products and processes for compliance with the current SVHC list.

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3. documentation and tracking: Regular documentation of all relevant data, including SCIP numbers and emissions data.

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4. risk management for future substance restrictions: Development of a preventive system for the early identification and evaluation of new regulated substances.

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5. digital supplier management: optimization of the compliance process through digital tools that enable efficient monitoring and automated queries to suppliers.

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Support from Tacto for REACH compliance

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With Tacto, companies can efficiently monitor their supply chain and comply with all requirements of the REACH regulation as well as future tightening measures such as the PFAS ban. The platform offers a central solution for recording and monitoring all chemical-related compliance data and supports companies with automated supplier queries and systematic catalogs of measures.

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The REACH regulation and the impending tightening of PFAS regulations pose considerable challenges for manufacturing companies. A solid REACH compliance strategy and proactive risk management are crucial to efficiently meet the requirements and secure your long-term market position. Download our white paper "REACH Regulation: Implementing and preparing for tightening regulations such as PFAS" for detailed insights and practical implementation guidance.

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