The Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH) is a regulation of the European Union, adopted to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals, while enhancing the competitiveness of the EU chemicals industry. It also promotes alternative methods for the hazard assessment of substances in order to reduce the number of tests on animals.

REACH is connected to the Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 (CLP). It ensures that the hazards presented by chemicals are clearly communicated to workers and consumers in the European Union. As of 1 June 2015, chemical products must be labelled in accordance with the requirements of the CLP Regulation. CLP involves an evaluation of the hazardous properties of chemicals and the way information and measures to protect human beings and the environment should be designed to reduce the risks.


In principle, REACH and CLP apply to all chemical substances; not only those used in industrial processes but also for end-consumer use, for example in cleaning products, paints as well as in articles such as clothes, furniture and electrical appliances. There, these regulations have an impact on most companies that deal with products for the EU-market.


As part of the EU chemicals legislation, REACH applies to all industry sectors dealing with chemicals and along the entire supply chain. It makes companies responsible for the safety of chemicals they place on the market.



CLP is the European implementation of the Globally Harmonized System of Classification, Labelling and Packaging of Chemicals (GHS) and requires chemicals to be classified and labelled for their hazards accordingly.



Chemical control legislation impacts on a wide range of companies across many sectors that deal with products, even those who may not think of themselves as being involved with chemicals.