REACH DIRECTIVE - Restrictive Substances

REACH is a European Union Regulation concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of CHemicals. It came into force on 1st June 2007 and replaced a number of European Directives and Regulations with a single system.

THE REACH DIRECTIVE APPLIES ACROSS ALL SECTORS:

The REACH regulation has an impact on the chemicals used by manufacturers and importers in all industry sectors, especially any substances used that are carcinogenic, mutagenic or reproductive toxins or are very persistent in the environment. A list of “Substances of Very High Concern” has been published and the use of any such materials at more than 0.1% must be notified to the authorities. It should be noted that the requirements of the REACH regulation apply to overall chemical use and not on a product by product basis.

The implications of the REACH regulation are far ranging and, in general, require that manufacturers have a detailed knowledge of the materials used in their products, their specifications and the quantities used. This is very complex legislation and more information can be found from the European Chemicals Agency.

THE IMPLICATIONS THE REACH REGULATION FOR IMPORTERS AND RETAILERS OF JEWELLERY, ACCESSORIES, TEXTILES & WATCHES

The part of the REACH regulation which is of particular relevance to importers and retailers in the Jewellery, accessories, textiles and Watch industry is Article 67 which states:

A substance on its own, in a mixture in an article, for which Annex XVII contains a restriction shall not be manufactured, placed on the market or used unless it complies with the conditions of that restriction.

The relevant substances restricted by Article 67 are Nickel, Lead, Cadmium, Azo dyes, Chromium VI, Formaldehyde,  NP, NPEO & AP, APEOs, Organotin Compounds, Pentachlorophenol and Phthalates to name just a few. The restrictions placed upon these elements are detailed within this section.

CHEMICAL TESTING SUBMISSION FORM

REACH FACTS

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