What is the difference between REACH and the present system of chemicals management?
The present legislation requires public authorities to identify and address possible safety issues for the chemicals on the market. REACH aims to change this balance by requiring industry to take responsibility for assessing the risks of chemicals and for ensuring their safe use. At the same time, the efficiency of the system is improved in as far as there are better incentives for developing safer chemicals, which will help promoting the competitiveness of the EU chemical industry.
Comparison between the previous system and REACH:
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Previous system |
REACH |
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There are gaps in our knowledge about many of the chemicals on the European market. |
REACH will close the knowledge gaps by providing information on hazards and risks of chemicals produced or imported in volumes higher than 1 tonne/year per manufacturer/importer. |
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The ‘burden of proof’ is on the authorities: they need to prove that the risk from the use of a chemical substance is unsafe before they may impose restrictions. |
The ‘burden of proof’ will be on industry. It needs to demonstrate that the risk from the use of a chemical can be adequately controlled, and recommend appropriate measures. All actors in the supply chain will be obliged to ensure the safety of the chemical substances they handle. |
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Notification requirements for ‘new substances’ start at a production level of 10 kg. Already at this level, one animal test is needed. At 1 tonne, a series of tests including other animal tests have to be undertaken. |
Registration will be required for both old and new substances when the production or import reaches 1 tonne. As far as possible, animal testing will be minimised. |
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It is relatively costly to introduce a new substance on the market. This encourages the continued use of "existing", untested chemicals and inhibits innovation. |
Innovation of safer substances will be encouraged under REACH through: more exemptions for research and development; lower registration costs for new substances; and the need to consider substitute substances when applying for authorisations. |
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Public authorities are obliged to perform comprehensive risk assessments that are slow and cumbersome. |
Industry will be responsible for assessing the safety of identified uses, prior to production and marketing. Authorities will be able to focus on issues of serious concern. |
