REACH: Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals
Event:
REACH Workshop: Final countdown to pre-registration and registration of chemicals
14 April 2008, Brussels
Organised by the European Commission and the European Chemicals Agency
More information
Programme
On-line registration form
Commission REACH Help-Net – SMEs
The Commission and the 27 Member States launched on 15.02.07 in Berlin a REACH Help-Net. REACH helpdesks are essential in advising companies, especially SMEs. The REACH Help-Net is established to deliver consistent and timely support to the authorities operating national helpdesks so that their business services are harmonised across Europe.
In addition, the REACH Help-Net will provide a channel to route implementation issues from the field to the Agency’s helpdesk for resolution.
REACH Help-Net is a voluntary network of the European REACH Helpdesks operated by the Member States and the REACH helpdesk of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The network functions under the premise of mutual support and responsibility towards one another and is established on the basis of the recommendations of the REACH Helpdesk project (SHERPER) that brought together helpdesk experts from all over the EU.
The REACH Help-Net will benefit the 27 national helpdesks by providing an IT platform and access to the know-how of all of its members. Facilitated by the IT tool the helpdesk officers will be better able to provide state-of-the-art, consistent, and harmonized advice in timely fashion. Reliable and coordinated helpdesk support will fend for equal assistance of companies across Europe. The special attention to SMEs and channel for identifying and resolving implementation issue identified in the Help-Net will build credibility and trust to the EU REACH helpdesk operations.
The new EU Chemicals Regulation, REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) regulation entered into force on 1 June 2007. The Regulation is a comprehensive set of provisions, which lays new obligations on the industry and defines a new approach to chemicals control. It’s important that all manufacturers, importers and downstream users of chemicals are prepared, and fully aware of the impact this new legislation will have on their business and how to comply with it. National REACH helpdesks are there to help them understanding their roles and duties under REACH.
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) was established in Helsinki. It provides guidance documents and tools to the Member States and industry. REACH requires, in addition, that each country establishes a national helpdesk and ECHA supports them adequately. The helpdesks will advise manufacturers, importers, down stream users and interested parties on their responsibilities under the Regulation.
In 2006 the Commission carried out a study on best practices in establishing national helpdesks. The SHERPER study - published on 14 February and publicly presented in Berlin - recommended that a network of Member State helpdesks should be establish, ECHA should coordinate it and provide an IT platform for running the network and sharing information.
The ECHA helpdesk will start its operation on 1 June 2007 when the Agency opens. Many national helpdesks are already operational and accessible to the public. Other Member States are finalising their preparations. Various industry organisations will also provide REACH helpdesk assistance.
You can find more information at: REACH DG ENTR website . See also REACH Regulation EC No. 1907/2006