Frequently asked questions.

In the EU, the most important general regulations for chemicals are the REACH-regulation and the CLP-regulation. For transport of chemicals there are additional regulations such as ADR, ADN, RID. The chemical safety for workers is arranged in the Chemical Agents Directive and the Carcinogens and Mutagens Directive.

REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation of Chemicals. This regulation contains extensive requirements for suppliers of chemicals.

The REACH regulation is applicable in the European Economic Area. In some other regions there are similar regulations, for example in the UK or Turkey.

Manufacturers or importers of chemical substances need to have submitted a REACH-registration. Once accepted by the European Chemicals Agency, it is a sort of permit to put the chemical on the market.

Special software and a lot of data are needed to get a REACH-registration. In some cases contracts need to be entered for accessing data hold by other companies. The best way is to hire a specialist, for more information see here

The manufacturer or importer bears the responsibility, but usually service providers do it for them. See here for more information

It usually takes a few weeks, up to some months, to register a substance, depending on whether contracts with data-holders need to be established.

REACH Product Safety is active in Europe, for English or Dutch speaking clients.

REACH Product Safety is based in Dordrecht, Netherlands

A Safety Data Sheet, abbreviated as SDS of MSDS, is a document that is required to be handed over or sent to the recipient of hazardous chemicals.
The required content is prescribed in Annex 2 of the REACH regulation.

CLP stands for Classification, Labelling and Packaging. It is an EU-regulation with rules on how the classify hazardous substances and mixtures, information to put on the labels and packing requirements.
It complements the REACH regulation and together they form the framework of rules for chemical product safety in the EU.

The CLP regulation requires submitting a notification to European Chemicals Agency if a company puts a mixture with hazardous components on the market. The information is distributed to national poison centres, so that they can provide advice in case of exposure to such mixtures.
The number related to the notification (UFI - Unique Formulation Identifier) needs to be indicated on the SDS.
REACH Product Safety knows how to arrange such notifications.