A major focus of REACH is to provide much more data on the hazards and risks of chemicals. Each company will need to develop a business strategy for REACH compliance.

On Dec. 18, 2006, the European Union (EU) passed a new law creating a single integrated system for the registration, evaluation and authorization of chemicals, which is known as REACH. Described as the most important EU regulation in the last 20 years, REACH places the burden of proof for demonstrating the safe use of chemicals on industry, to ensure that the risks to human health and environment are avoided or adequately controlled. An understanding of this law, effective as of June 2007, is prudent for all who work in the chemical process industries (CPI) as the effects of REACH are not bound to within the EU. This article, together with Part 1 (p. 38) of this cover story, gives the reader an introduction to REACH and its implications for business.

Please see full article for more information.