Last call for companies to register chemicals

Published: 20 October, 2010

The European Commission is reminding companies that they must register the most widely used or most dangerous chemicals by the deadline of 30 November this year. Registration is one of the milestones of REACH, the EU Regulation on chemicals and their safe use.

Companies are also reminded that they must notify the classification and labelling of their chemicals to European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) by 3 January next year.

European Commission Vice-President Antonio Tajani, Commissioner for Industry and Entrepreneurship, and Commissioner for Environment Janez Potočnik, said: “Our chemical industry needs to be sustainable. Therefore, we appeal to all companies concerned to submit their dossiers in time and in full. These demands on companies are tough but they are also an investment that will pay off by fostering the leading role of Europe’s chemical industry. The rewards will be increased competitiveness, more innovation, and more jobs for Europe's citizens in a cleaner and healthier environment."

Classification is essential to determine whether a chemical is dangerous for health and the environment, and it will determine the information on the labels of products that workers and consumers use, said the EC. It is important to note that these notifications must also be sent for small quantities of chemicals. This means many more companies are affected including SMEs.

As of 10 September about 4,000 dossiers have been submitted to the ECHA and the rate is reported to be increasing very rapidly. Companies are urged to finalise their dossiers and submit them as soon as possible.

Companies must submit their dossier electronically via the REACH-IT tool.

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