As the new chemicals legislation REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals) will enter into operation on 1st June, the European Commission and ECHA are alerting companies of their obligations. Tens of thousands of manufacturers or importers of chemicals will have to pre-register chemicals in 2008 if they want to continue manufacturing or importing them without interruption. It has been estimated that over 180,000 pre-registration files will be submitted. The pre-registration process will enable companies to share data on their chemicals and paves the way to enhanced knowledge about chemicals. This is a prerequisite for improved safety in the years to come.

Pre-registration is needed if companies manufacturing or importing chemicals want to benefit from the extended registration deadlines which apply to most chemicals that are currently on the market. Pre-registration allows companies to submit their complete registration dossiers by 2010, 2013 or 2018, depending on the case.

Quelle: European Commission - 11.04.08