Press Release: Call to action for chemical users

The EU Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals Regulation, known as REACH, became law across the EU on 1 June 2007. The European Chemicals Agency in Helsinki (ECHA) is managing the implementation of REACH across the European Union. The first step is for people to pre-register substances already being manufactured in, or supplied from outside the EU in quantities over one tonne. The pre-registration period is between 1 June and 1 December 2008. Those who register during this time can take advantage of a phased registration process at a later date. Those who do not pre-register will have to fully register their chemicals straight after 1 December, or chemicals will be withdrawn from the market until they are fully registered.