Brussels, 01/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has just completed registration of a large proportion of the total volume of chemicals produced and used in the EU, along with the most dangerous chemicals. The 30 November deadline for registration of widely-used chemicals was set by REACH, the Regulation for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals.
As a result of REACH, European Commission Vice-President with responsibility for Industry Antonio Tajani said at a press conference that European industry will have more in-depth knowledge of the potentially hazardous effects of the chemicals it is dealing with. This will lead to safer use of chemicals, increased industrial competitiveness and a cleaner environment. Under the REACH system, companies cannot place a chemical substance they manufacture or import on the EU market unless it has been registered with ECHA within the applicable deadline.
Tajani went on to say: “We are pleased that industry has worked alongside us to make REACH such a success. REACH is an excellent example of our flagship initiative on integrated industrial policy under the EUROPE 2020 strategy which places competitiveness and sustainable development at the forefront”. Environment Commissioner Janez Potoènik said: “In the coming years, the knowledge generated by REACH will lead to further improvements in safety, less chemical pollution, greener choices by consumers and industry, and a cleaner environment”.
The first registration deadline was for the most hazardous substances (e.g. those that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction) manufactured or imported in quantities of 1 tonne or more per year per company, substances very toxic to the aquatic environment manufactured or imported in quantities of 100 tonnes or more per year per company and substances manufactured or imported above 1,000 tonnes per year. By 30 November, ECHA had received 24,675 applications for registration, almost 10% of which were from SMEs. Tajani hailed this figure and recommended that, especially for small business, it would be helpful if REACH documents were available in all EU languages.
The process is still in its early days: there are two further registration deadlines in 2013 and 2018 for chemicals produced or imported in lower volumes. (Com-Gp/transl.rt)