Getting Ready for REACH: Leading Companies and Associations issue REACH interpretation guidelines

 A group of leading European manufacturers[1] and associations[2] have jointly released a guide, designed to assist companies in the mechanical, automotive, aeronautics, space and defence sectors in complying with the REACH Regulation.

This new legislation (EC 1907/2006) came into force on 1 June and ratifies the latest European policy on the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of CHemicals. It aims to improve the protection of human health and the environment.

The REACH Interpretation Guidelines are part of a common approach, by the participating sectors, to develop and share consistent tools across global supply chains to achieve an optimal implementation of this legislation.

Companies, particularly Small and Medium-Enterprises (SMEs), will find this guide of practical help in understanding legal, technical and economic aspects of the regulation. It explains how to implement the requirements of REACH based on the current commonly accepted interpretations. The major provisions and deadlines are presented in a graphical manner and are supported by the use of flowcharts.

This guide is the first of many steps these sectors will take to ensure the successful implementation of REACH.

A number of aspects of the Regulation will be further detailed and guidance provided via the completion of the REACH Implementation Projects (RIPs) currently managed by the European Commission. The guide will be subsequently updated to reflect those developments.

This guide is accessible on the websites of the participating companies and associations.

Please click here to download the tools (Frequently updated)

 [1] AIRBUS, AGUSTA WESTLAND, EADS, EUROCOPTER, GIFAS, RENAULT, ROLLS-ROYCE, SAAB, SAFRAN, and VOLVO AERO