REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) is a unique international risk management process for chemical substances. It aims to enhance the protection of human health and the environment, strengthen knowledge about chemicals, promote communication among actors in the supply chain, and minimize vertebrate testing by encouraging data sharing among industries.
Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of 18 December 2006 concerns the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). The purpose of this Regulation is to ensure a high level of protection of human health and the environment, including the promotion of alternative methods for assessment of hazards of substances, as well as the free circulation of substances on the internal market while enhancing competitiveness and innovation.
It lays down provisions on substances and mixtures. These provisions shall apply to the manufacture, placing on the market or use of such substances on their own, in mixtures or in articles and to the placing on the market of mixtures.
It is based on the principle that it is for manufacturers, importers and downstream users to ensure that they manufacture, place on the market or use such substances that do not adversely affect human health or the environment. Its provisions are underpinned by the precautionary principle.