The article gives an overview of REACH, the European regulatory framework for chemicals
which entered into force in June 2007. Starting with a short description of the predecessor legislation it
summarizes in short chapters the most important aspects of REACH as were unveiled until the
publication date of the article. The following topics are addressed:
▪ Principles of REACH
▪ Extended registration deadlines
▪ REACH-IT
▪ Substance Information Exchange Fora
▪ Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC)
▪ REACH enforcement
▪ EU adaptation of GHS (Globally Harmonized System)
▪ Safety Data Sheet requirements from REACH
▪ Specifics for Cosmetics & Toiletries.
Chemicals regulation in Europe evolved as a gradual branching process when accidents and disasters revealed new chemical hazards and effects1. The first harmonizing framework for chemical legislation in Europe was Council Directive 67/548/EEC, the Dangerous Substances Directive, published in 1967. The directive was amended and adapted to technical progress many times. Very significant amendments include the introduction of the European Inventory of Existing Commercial Chemical Substances (EINECS) in Council Directive 79/831/EEC, with EINECS listing the substances marketed before September 1981...