REACH, the EU regulation for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals, entered into force in June 2007. Its central aim is to protect human health and the environment from the risks arising from the use of chemicals. REACH has become one of the most complex and far-reaching pieces of regulation ever to originate from the European Commission.

Within the polymer industry, it will affect producers of chemicals or preparations, importers of chemicals or finished products to the EU, producers of finished products and downstream users. Its effects will truly give it global reach, within and beyond the boundaries of Europe

Rapra Limited, on behalf of its Members, commissioned Smithers Rapra to produce this guide to illustrate to organisations in these industries and sectors how REACH will affect them.

Table of Contents
1. Introduction to REACH
2. REACH Basics
3. The Legal Text
4. Key Milestones
5. Monomers and Polymers
6. Pre-registration, Registration and Compliance
7. Information Sharing and Confidentiality
8. Financial Implications
9. Glossary, Abbreviations and Acronyms
10. Other Resources

About Rapra Limited
Rapra Limited is a Membership-based not for profit organisation providing privileged access to world-class technical and information services for companies involved in rubber or plastics manufacturing, processing or final end use. These services are provided by Smithers Rapra, with whom Rapra Limited operates a Membership Services agreement, ensuring that Members receive preferential treatment via their package of Membership benefits.

For further information please visit www.rapralimited.org