UK REACH REGISTRATION

UK REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) registration is a regulatory system implemented to ensure the safe use of chemical substances and to protect human health and the environment. UK REACH came into effect following the United Kingdom's departure from the European Union's REACH regulation, establishing the UK's own chemical management system post-Brexit.

What is UK REACH Registration?

UK REACH is a regulation that came into force on January 1, 2021, and aims to regulate chemicals used, manufactured, or imported within the borders of the United Kingdom. It is applied separately from the European Union and covers chemical management in the UK. This system is specifically applicable to Great Britain (England, Wales, and Scotland). Northern Ireland continues to be subject to EU REACH regulations.

Main Elements of REACH

• Registration: Chemical substances must be registered with the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) by manufacturers or importers. If a company manufactures or imports a chemical in quantities of 1 tonne or more per year, the chemical must be registered.

• Evaluation: The safety data of registered chemicals is evaluated by the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

• Authorisation: The use of chemicals that pose a high risk to human health or the environment is permitted under specific conditions.

• Restriction: Restrictions are imposed to limit or completely ban the use of hazardous chemicals.

Differences Between EU REACH and UK REACH

• Geographical Scope: UK REACH applies only to England, Wales, and Scotland. Northern Ireland remains under EU REACH.
  
  

• Registered Data: Under UK REACH, registrations made under EU REACH must be re-registered in the UK.
  
  

• Chemical Assessment: Chemical assessments under EU REACH are not directly valid under UK REACH.