In today’s global market, regulatory compliance is critical for businesses, especially when it comes to environmental and chemical safety standards. One such regulation is REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals), a comprehensive framework implemented by the European Union to safeguard human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals. 

In this blog, the Fortec US team delves into what REACH entails, its significance, and how Fortec US aligns with these crucial regulations.

What is REACH?

REACH is a European Union regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 that took effect on June 1, 2007. It was designed to streamline and enhance the existing regulations surrounding chemicals by creating a unified system. This regulation replaces several former directives and regulations, providing a more standardized approach to chemical safety across the EU.

Key Objectives of REACH

The primary goals of REACH are to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks posed by chemicals. It requires manufacturers and importers to manage the risks associated with the substances they produce or import. Here’s how REACH achieves its objectives:

1. Registration: Companies must register chemicals with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), providing comprehensive information on their properties and uses.
2. Evaluation: The ECHA evaluates the information submitted to assess the risks and ensure that chemicals are handled safely.
3. Authorization: Certain hazardous chemicals require authorization for use. This ensures that their risks are properly managed.
4. Restriction: The regulation allows for restricting certain substances if they pose a significant risk to health or the environment.

Article 33: Information Obligations

One of the critical aspects of REACH is Article 33, which mandates that manufacturers and importers inform their customers if their products contain Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). SVHCs are chemicals identified as having severe and often irreversible effects on human health and the environment. According to Article 33, if a product contains more than 0.1% by weight of any SVHC, the supplier must provide sufficient information to enable safe use of the product.

Fortec US and REACH Compliance

At Fortec US, we are committed to upholding the highest safety and compliance standards. We recognize the importance of adhering to REACH regulations to ensure the safety of our products and protect the environment. Our commitment includes:

• Transparency: We ensure that our products do not contain SVHCs in concentrations exceeding 0.1% by weight. Our comprehensive REACH statement confirms this, providing peace of mind to our customers and partners.
• Ongoing Monitoring: We continuously monitor and assess our products to maintain compliance with REACH and update our practices as regulations evolve.
• Customer Assurance: By adhering to REACH, we offer our clients the assurance that our products meet stringent safety standards and contribute to a safer and more sustainable future.

At Fortec US, we are dedicated to ensuring that our products are safe, compliant, and environmentally friendly. By following REACH guidelines, we contribute to a safer world and support our clients in making informed choices. Contact us today to learn more about our commitment to safety and our clients.