Chemicals management

The EU chemical regulation REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals), entered into force in June 2007, replacing some 40 existing directives. It is both comprehensive and complex, involving an integrated approach to regulating the production, import and use of chemicals in Europe. It gives us more knowledge about the chemicals used on the European market, since it puts new demands on those who produce or import chemicals to present data on the characteristics of the chemical and its potential risks to health and the environment. When it comes to the chemical safety of products produced or used on the EU market, the burden of proof now lies with the chemical producer and importer, not public authorities.