If your business manufactures, imports, sells, distributes, or uses chemical substances in the UK, then you need to know about REACH. Here, we’ll run through what REACH is, how it’s changed since Brexit and what the regulations aim to achieve.
In this post:
Key Takeaways
UK REACH replaced EU REACH in the UK after Brexit (1 January 2021)
It regulates chemicals through four processes: Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction
Companies must submit hazard and safety data under the principle “no data, no market”
Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) may require authorisation or face restrictions
Industry is responsible for ensuring chemical safety, with regulatory oversight.
What is REACH in the UK?
REACH is an abbreviation of Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. It is the UK’s main regulation for managing chemical substances, and applies to most chemicals that are either made here or imported into the country.
Before the UK left the European Union (EU) in January 2020, the EU REACH laws applied to chemical manufacturing and importing in the UK and across the European community. Following Brexit, EU laws were brought into UK laws – and as of 1st January 2021 are known as UK REACH. All of the key principles were retained, however.
If your company makes, sells or imports chemicals in both the UK and the EU, you need to comply with both EU REACH and UK REACH regulations.
REACH is concerned with the safe use of chemicals, aiming to:
- Protect human health and the environment from harmful chemicals
- Ensure companies understand and manage chemical risks
- Promote safer alternatives and reduced animal testing
- Maintain a safe and competitive chemical market
Another major aim of REACH is to ensure communication in the supply chain, from the manufacturer to the end-user (down-stream user or distributor).
Information is needed to use chemicals safely, including health, safety and environmental properties, risks and risk management measures. All of this information is required to be passed up and down the supply chain. The primary tool for supply of this information is in the form of a Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
Ultimately, companies must identify hazards and risks of chemicals they produce or import, and demonstrate that substances can be used safely. The principle to remember is – “no data, no market”.
The four pillars of REACH regulation
UK REACH regulations focus on four key processes:
1: Registration
Manufacturers and importers must register chemicals with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). They must submit data on properties, hazards, and safe uses.
2: Evaluation
Authorities evaluate the submitted safety data, and further testing may be required if risks are unclear.
3: Authorisation
Substances of very high concern (SVHCs) require special permission for use. These may include carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxins. The goal is to replace dangerous chemicals with safer alternatives.
4: Restriction
Some chemicals are banned or limited if they pose unacceptable risks. Restrictions can apply to manufacturing, sale, or use.
Conclusion
UK REACH established an independent regulatory framework for chemicals following the UK’s departure from the EU. By requiring companies to generate safety data, assess risks, and control hazardous substances, it aims to protect human health and the environment while ensuring chemicals are used safely across supply chains.
For further information on REACH we recommend consulting the Health and Safety Executive website or the European Chemicals Agency. This information was correct at the time of writing. Please note we cannot be held responsible for accuracy.
