Pre-registration under Reach critical - consultant

29 February 2008 05:16  [Source: ICIS news]

GALVESTON (ICIS news)--Pre-registration of chemicals under the European Union’s Reach (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) program is critical to avoid disruptions in the supply chain, a consultant said on Thursday.

“Reach is not just an EH&S [environmental, health and safety] regulation. Its impact on the global chemical supply network is without precedent,” John Mikan, president of international consultancy Experien Health Sciences, said at the ISM Chemical Group Mid-Winter Conference in Galveston, Texas.

“Accounting for the source, destination and use of every pound of every substance is at the heart of Reach,” he added.

The EU Reach regulations are having an impact across the world as companies seeking to do business in Europe and others supplying the market must comply.

“The supply chain is driving this regulation global. European importers will go to their suppliers and tell them to provide them with Reach-compliant products.” Mikan said.

Pre-registration under Reach must take place between June 1, 2008 and December 1, 2008. Those that do not register must stop exporting, he said.

“Pre-registration keeps you in the game until full registration happens,” he added.

Full registration will take place from November 30, 2010 to November 30, 2018 in various stages.

Mikan advised companies to have a backup plan to ensure supply continuity. “Gauge your suppliers’ Reach-readiness and identify alternate suppliers where appropriate,” he said.

The ISM Chemical Group Mid-Winter Conference started on Thursday, February 26 and ends on Friday, February 27.

By: Joseph Chang
+1 713 525 2653

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