REACH (Registration, Evaluation, and Authorization of Chemicals) of the European Union is meant to protect human health and the environment by identifying the intrinsic properties of chemical substances. Its processes include registration, evaluation, authorization, and restriction of chemicals known as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). Also, REACH is aimed at improving the innovation and competitiveness of the chemicals industry in the European Union. REACH affects the whole supply chain including companies based outside the EU. To demonstrate REACH compliance, comprehensive testing must be carried out.
Different Kinds of SVHCs
The use of SVHCs for certain purposes must be authorized no matter the quantities supplied. SVHC substances include the following:
- Carcinogens, mutagens and substances that are toxic to the reproductive system.
- Persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic substances (PBTs).
- Very persistent and very Bioaccumulative substances (vPvBs).
- Substances that are scientifically proven to cause probably serious impacts to human health or the environment and equivalent to PBTs and vPvBs.
How to Comply with REACH
REACH has procedures in place to collect and review information on the properties and hazards of some substances. Organizations can determine their compliance with REACH by identifying and managing the risks associated with the substances they manufacture and market to the EU. Also, they need to demonstrate to the European Chemicals Agency or ECHA how they have ensured the substance can be safely used without harming the end customer. The agency manages the database necessary to operate the REACH system. Often, the best way to meet compliance requirements and stay compliant with reach is to use Enviropass REACH compliance assistance services. Enviropass will perform a documentary assessment of your products and provide you with the tools you can use for taking control of your REACH compliance.
Importance of Regulatory Monitoring for Companies
Because the European Union is a significant market for the majority of exporters, companies must dedicate time to making sure their products are free of SVHC. Often, this means spending time monitoring the list of SVHC candidates and identifying them in the supply chain. To make monitoring possible, EH&S managers can allot some time every month to check the list of candidates for new entries, review their proposals, and cross reference their chemical inventory.
Moreover, organizations can also use a system that handles regulatory monitoring for them. Usually, this means having a central database of chemicals used in the facility and a list of SVHC that can be compared against it.
