Chemical control measures in the EU are soon to be dramatically revised: this new Rapra Report describes the key facts of the existing measures and the objectives of the future chemicals policy, REACH
Chemical control measures in the EU are soon to be dramatically revised, and this new Rapra Review Report, entitled 'EU Regulation of Chemicals: REACH', sets the scene by describing the key facts of the existing measures and the objectives of the future chemicals policy: REACH. REACH is the 'Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals': it will place a duty on companies that manufacture, import and use chemicals in the EU to assess the risks arising from their use and manage any risks identified. With industry concerns about the cost of compliance in terms of testing, in-house management, scientific and regulatory advice and consultancy, this Rapra Review Report presents the essential details of the objectives and timescales involved with the legislation.

The objective of the new legislation is to ensure a high level of protection for human health and the environment whilst maintaining an efficient internal market, innovation and competitiveness in the chemical industry.

The author covers the main points, with abstracts from the Rapra Polymer Library identifying the sources for further reading on this subject.

EU Regulation of Chemicals: REACH is essential reading for chemical and material manufacturers and suppliers.

It describes clearly the forthcoming fundamental changes to chemical control in the EU.

The report is written by Derek Knight, the Director of Regulatory Affairs at Safepharm Laboratories.

He is an expert in regulatory requirements, providing advice on testing and document submission to regulatory authorities.

He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and the British Institute of Regulatory Affairs: he has published extensively on regulatory issues, alternatives to animal testing, food contact materials and biocides.