One-Sentence Definition
REACH Compliance means that a product or company meets the requirements of the European Union’s REACH Regulation (EC No. 1907/2006), ensuring the safe use, registration, and restriction of chemicals to protect human health and the environment.[source]
Detailed Explanation
REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals. It is the EU’s main chemical safety law, applying to all manufacturers and importers who produce or bring chemical substances, mixtures, or articles (finished products) into the EU market. REACH Compliance requires companies to:
Register substances produced or imported in quantities above 1 tonne per year with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
Evaluate and manage risks associated with these substances.
Communicate safety information throughout the supply chain.
Notify and, in some cases, seek authorization for the use of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs).
Ensure products do not exceed concentration limits for restricted substances listed in Annex XVII.
For acrylic product manufacturers, this means screening raw materials, conducting lab tests, and providing compliance documentation for EU exports. The regulation is updated regularly, with the SVHC list reaching 241 substances as of June 2024.[source]
Key Components of REACH Compliance
Registration: All chemical substances above 1 tonne/year must be registered with ECHA, including detailed safety data.
Evaluation: ECHA and EU member states review submitted data to assess risks.
Authorisation: Use of SVHCs may require special permission and a plan to substitute safer alternatives.
Restriction: Certain chemicals are banned or limited in concentration (see Annex XVII).
Communication: Suppliers must inform downstream users and consumers if SVHCs are present above 0.1% by weight.
Testing & Documentation: Lab testing (e.g., for phthalates, PAHs) and compliance certificates or declarations are essential, especially for plastics and acrylics.[source]
Real-World Application: Acrylic Products & TOYIN’s Practice
Acrylic products—such as display stands, storage boxes, and trays—are widely used in retail, home, and office settings. For companies like Toyin Acrylic Products Co., Ltd. (TOYIN), REACH Compliance is crucial for exporting to the EU. The process typically involves:
Raw Material Screening: Ensuring all acrylic resins and additives are free from SVHCs and restricted substances above legal thresholds.
Supply Chain Management: Collecting compliance data and certificates from suppliers.
Third-Party Lab Testing: Verifying that finished products meet REACH requirements for SVHCs and Annex XVII substances.
Issuing Compliance Certificates: Providing REACH Compliance Declarations or third-party test reports to customers and regulators. See a sample format here.
Staying Updated: Monitoring regulatory updates, such as the 2024 addition of PFHxA restrictions and new SVHCs.
Industry Example: The PARAD Consortium, a group of acrylate resin manufacturers, collaborates to streamline REACH registration and compliance for the sector.[source]
TOYIN’s commitment to REACH Compliance ensures that its custom acrylic products are safe, high-quality, and ready for the global market. Learn more about TOYIN’s capabilities.
Related Concepts
RoHS: Restricts hazardous substances in electronics; narrower in scope than REACH.
SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern): Chemicals with serious health/environmental risks; subject to notification and authorization.
MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet): Provides detailed safety information for chemicals.
Annex XVII: List of substances with specific restrictions under REACH.
CLP: EU regulation for classification, labeling, and packaging of chemicals.
TSCA: US chemical regulation, similar in purpose but different in scope.
Visual Aids & Further Resources
Ready to ensure your acrylic products meet the latest REACH standards? Contact TOYIN for custom, compliant solutions.
