First of all: The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is the central body for European Union legislation on chemicals. The Agency's website contains a wealth of information on (hazardous) substances and which European regulations must be observed in each case or which ones apply to the substances in question. ECHA contributes to the transparency of chemicals legislation by providing mostly public access, with the exception of sensitive data. By improving knowledge of harmful chemicals, more targeted regulation of these substances can protect human health and the environment, support the circular economy and promote the development of safer alternatives by the industry.
On January 30, 2024, the new chemical database of the European Chemicals Agency was published: ECHA CHEM. The database contains information on over 100,000 REACH registrations. It therefore lists the substances and mixtures that have been registered in accordance with REACH Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 Articles 6 and 7. This section concerns substances
- manufactured or imported as such, in mixtures or in articles in quantities of more than one tonne per year per producer or importer, or
- substances in articles that are released under reasonably foreseeable conditions of use.
The principle of "no data, no market" applies. Substances that have not been registered may therefore not be used. The registration numbers of substances as such and in mixtures must be communicated to downstream players in accordance with REACH Articles 31 and 32.
ECHA CHEM is to be expanded this year to include the classification and labeling inventory from Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 as well as further lists of legal acts.
The current exchange platform on chemicals was already published on the ECHA website in 2016. It contains information on over 360,000 chemicals. ECHA CHEM should be able to handle the growing complexity of data better and make use of technological advances.
In order to review the practical implementation of the regulations, the "Forum on Enforcement" carries out targeted projects on specific obligations under European chemicals legislation. The report on the last review project on REACH registration obligations (REACH-EN-FORCE-7) revealed a non-compliance rate of around 15 percent for the obligations under review in December 2020.
Relevance for companies
- Producers and importers of substances, mixtures or articles must check their own registration obligations. This explicitly affects more than just chemical manufacturers.
- Even with the "no data no market" principle, in 2019 (REACH-EN-FORCE-7 review period) there was a 15% probability of acquiring non-compliant substances and mixtures with regard to registration obligations. It is therefore advisable to check the registration numbers to ensure your own supply capability.
- ECHA CHEM makes (non-sensitive) information publicly available in order to improve the exchange of data.
If you have any questions about ECHA CHEM or other REACH topics, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Author
Linda Kritzler (B. A.)
Material & Environmental Compliance Consultant
