- Background of REACH:
The REACH regulation is a comprehensive regulatory framework implemented by the European Union (EU) to protect human health and the environment from the risks posed by chemical substances. REACH requires companies to register and evaluate the hazards and risks of the chemical substances they produce or import. Adhesives fall under the scope of REACH regulations, as they often contain chemical substances, such as solvents, that require compliance. - Registration and Pre-Registration:
Adhesives imported to Europe must undergo registration or pre-registration with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), depending on the annual volume of chemical substances contained in the adhesive. Adhesives that contain more than one ton per year of a chemical substance must undergo registration, while those that contain less than one tonne must undergo pre-registration. Failure to comply with these requirements can result in fines, delays in the supply chain, and even the product being removed from the market. - Safety Data Sheets (SDS):
Importers must obtain accurate and up-to-date Safety Data Sheets (SDS) from their suppliers. SDSs provide detailed information on the chemical composition of the adhesives and guidance on handling, storage, and transport. SDSs must conform to the requirements outlined in Annex II of REACH and be available in the official language(s) of the Member State where the adhesives are placed on the market. - Restrictions and Authorization:
REACH places certain restrictions and authorization requirements on specific substances of concern. Adhesives that contain these restricted or authorized substances must comply with the regulations. Importers must ensure that their adhesives do not contain substances that are included on the “Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern” identified by ECHA. - Communication in the Supply Chain:
Effective communication between all parties in the supply chain is essential to ensure REACH compliance. Importers must convey relevant information to downstream users, such as the identity of the adhesives, their composition, and any potential risks associated with their use. Likewise, importers must obtain information from their suppliers to ensure proper REACH compliance.
