REACH is a new European Union regulation concerning the Registration, Evaluation,Authorization and restriction of CHemicals. The regulation came into force on 1st June 2007. REACH replaces numerous EU laws related to chemicals and is complementary to other environmental and safety legislation.
According to REACH, EU manufacturers or importers concerned have to provide registration dossier, indicating the identity of the substances, classification and labeling, guidance on safe use etc.
(a) Companies who do not pre-register before the deadlines will lose the benefit from extended registration deadlines. i.e., until 30 November 2010, 31 May 2013 or 31 May 2018, depending on the manufactured or imported annual volume (and characteristics) of substances.
(b) All phase-in substances in quantities more than 1 tonne per year should be pre-registered to enjoy the phase-in period benefit prior to full registration requirements. If not pre-registered, full registration will be required before substance is manufactured and/or imported into the EU.
In the case of a first-time manufacturer or importer who manufactures or imports a substance in quantities of 1 tonne or more per year for the first time after the pre-registration deadline (1 December 2008) has passed, the manufacturer or importer can still benefit from the extended registration deadlines for phase-in substances even though he did not pre-register within the deadline for pre-registration.
For first-time manufacturers or importers of a substance in quantities of 1 tonne or more per year must pre-register within six months after first manufacture or import, and not later than 12 months before the relevant deadline for registration.