Reach management agency formally launches in EU

03 June 2008 15:11  [Source: ICIS news]

PARIS (ICIS news)--The Helsinki-based European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) which will manage the implementation of the EU's Reach chemicals bill was officially opened on Tuesday.

 

“The ECHA will play a key role in ensuring that companies will be able to comply with Reach,” said EU industry commissioner Gunter Verheugen.

 

“Reach will encourage innovation, foster competitiveness and better enable enterprises meet essential demands of consumers,” he added.

 

The pre-registration of the some 30,000 chemicals currently in use began on June 1.

 

Manufacturers and importers of chemicals into Europe have to pre-register them by 1 December 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 ECHA began recruiting staff and establishing support structures and procedures a year ago in preparation for its opening. 

 

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By: Philippa Jones
+44 20 8652 3214

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