About

The European Chemicals Legislation REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) entered into force in June 2007.

Its declared main goal is to improve the protection of human health and the environment from risks posed by chemical substances. It is backed by the precautionary principle as a main pillar of the EU chemicals legislation. It basically applies to all chemicals including those used in a wide range of consumer products. REACH places the burden of proof on companies that must provide the required data to demonstrate the safe use of a substance before it may be placed on the market. Authorities can limit or ban the manufacture, import, use or placing on the market of a substance whenever there is an `unacceptable risk to human health or the environment.