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From 1 June 2007, REACH, the new EU Regulation concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (EC Nº1907/2006), came into force. This new Regulation became applicable to the 27 Member States of the European Union immediately, without the adoption of national law. The Regulation requires registration, over a period of 11 years, of the approximately 30,000 chemical substances in use today. It is expected that the most dangerous chemicals will eventually be replaced by the progressive substitution of safer alternatives when they are identified.
Aims and Objectives:
- To ensure high-level protection of health and the environment
- To harmonize the approach to hazard/risk assessment and test guidelines
- To encourage data sharing from toxicology and ecotoxicology testing and reduce animal testing
- To create a single system of chemical regulations
Impact on the Textile Industry
It is important that all manufacturers, importers and downstream chemical users are well prepared, and fully aware of the impact this new legislation has on their businesses. The legislation will affect every industry with chemicals in its supply chain, including the textile industry.
Compliance under REACH:
- Registration
Registration is required for chemicals, substances in preparation and only if substances in an article are intended to be released and the volume is greater than 1 tonne per annum per manufacturer or importer for that specific use. If substances are intended to be released, such as textile products which claim to release fragrance for deodorization purposes, then this article shall then be subject to registration.
- Notification
The manufacturer or importer shall notify the Agency if Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) are present in their products and the substance is greater than 0.1% by weight and the volume exceeds 1tonne per annum. The Agency may require producers or importers of articles to submit a Registration if there is a suspect in the release of SVHC which will cause harm to humans and the environment.
- Authorization
Authorization is required if the use of SVHCs is listed in Annex XIV. Authorization will be granted if the applicant can prove adequate control of the risk exposed from the use of the substance or if socioeconomic benefits outweigh the risks when a suitable alternative is absent. However, the textile manufacturer should be able to apply the substitution principle and to keep dangerous chemicals out of textile products.
- Restriction
This new legislation will repeal Directive 76/769/EEC in 1 June 2009 and restriction of certain dangerous substances is required in the chemicals used in products. Manufacturers and Importers shall fulfill the requirements outlined in this new legislation. Failure to meet the requirements will result in the compulsory withdrawal of the product from the market. For example, aromatic amines found in textile products shall meet the limit requirement of 30ppm when placed in the market. Metal buttons which may contain nickel shall fall within the limit requirement of 0.5μg/cm2/week.
- Information in the Supply Chain
If the supplier of an article contains a SVHC greater than 0.1% by weight, he/she shall provide adequate information to allow safe use of the article. Communication of the SVHC information and safe use are required within the supply chain. Information is available for consumers upon request.
In response to this newly launched legislation, the SGS REACH Team has tailored specific compliance plans to assist you. With our extensive global network of laboratories, SGS offers a cost-effective, customized solution to help you meet the REACH requirements.
For more information, you can visit REACH or REACH by Product.
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