REACH – A new chemicals regulation for the EU and the EEA-countries
EU's new chemicals regulation REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of CHemicals) has now entered into force in the whole of the EEA (European Economic Area). Improvement of the protection of human health and the environment is one of the main objectives of the new regulation.

Other important aims of REACH are:
- improve the knowledge about hazardous chemicals
- increase the availability of information to the public
- improve management of risks associated with the use of chemicals
- limit and replace the use of the most hazardous chemicals that pose a risk
- encourage innovation and development of less hazardous chemicals
- simplify and streamline the current regulation
REACH is a comprehensive legislation and it will have an impact on Jotun as a chemical company. As a downstream user of substances and preparations, we are committed to meeting our legal obligations under REACH. As a company, our own efforts are in harmony with the whole of the European coatings and ink industry.
Jotun remain continuously updated on REACH and the requirements set at all times.
We work together with industry organisations and are participating actively in efforts to create guidance for the industry.
Jotun has also initiated a separate project to detect and evaluate chemical substances according to REACH requirements.
A standard letter has been made for communication with our customers and it provides information about what Jotun are doing regarding REACH.
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Work done by Jotun
Jotun remain continuously updated on REACH and the requirements set at all times.
We work together with industry organisations and are participating actively in efforts to create guidance for the industry.
Jotun has also initiated a separate project to detect and evaluate chemical substances according to REACH requirements.
A standard letter has been made for communication with our customers and it provides information about what Jotun are doing regarding REACH.
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Main processes
Registration
All chemical substances sold/produced in quantities of 1 tonne or more per year per manufacturer or importer must be registered to the EU chemicals agency (ECHA). This will be done by the manufacturers and importers themselves and in the registration process information shall be provided about the health and environmental effects of the substance, suggestions for further tests, the risk associated with use of the substance and the amount of the substance. This information will be used to determine safe use of the substance.
Evaluation
ECHA will perform dossier evaluation to check that the registration dossiers comply with the requirements. This will be done in cooperation with national authorities.
Authorisation
An approval scheme will be required for the prioritised substances of very high concern (SVHC) and this system will ensure that such substances are not used without government permission. These substances will be included on an authorisation list (Annex XIV) which will consider substances that are carcinogenic, mutagenic, harmful to reproduction, persistent, bioaccumulative, toxic, endocrine disrupters, or with properties that provide a similar cause for concern. Companies applying for authorisation will have to demonstrate that the risks associated with use of these substances are adequately controlled or that the socio-economic benefits from their use outweigh the risks.
Restriction
The European Union can impose restrictions and prohibit or set conditions for the manufacture, placing on the market or use of certain dangerous substances or group of substances when unacceptable risks to humans or the environment have been identified. The prohibitions and regulations of substances in place today will be continued in REACH with the opportunity to include new substances.
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Milestones
REACH is a European Union regulation that applies to the EEA, which includes the 27 EU member states plus Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein.
The REACH regulation became a part of the EEA agreement 14. March 2008. Registration timelines are dependent upon tonnage bands and hazard classifications.
1 June 2007 REACH entered into force in EU 1 June 2007 The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) was established in Finland 1 June - 1 December 2008 Pre-registration of existing substances 1 June 2008 Registration of new substances which have not been notified before 1 December 2010 1st deadline for complete registration of pre/registered substances 1 June 2013 2nd deadline for complete registration of pre/registered substances 1 June 2018 3rd deadline for complete registration of pre/registered substances