Scope of UK REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals)

1. Overview of UK REACH

UK REACH is the regulatory framework governing the manufacture, import, supply, and use of chemicals in Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales). It was established following the UK’s exit from the EU and is administered by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) instead of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

2. Who Does UK REACH Apply To?

UK REACH applies to a broad range of businesses and individuals involved in the chemicals supply chain, including:

  • Manufacturers producing chemical substances in Great Britain.
  • Importers bringing chemicals into Great Britain from the EU or other countries.
  • Distributors supplying chemicals to customers.
  • Downstream users, including formulators, industrial users, and product manufacturers who use chemicals in their processes.
  • Retailers selling chemical products to consumers.

3. What Substances Are Covered Under UK REACH?

UK REACH applies to:

  • Individual chemical substances (e.g., industrial chemicals, raw materials).
  • Mixtures of substances (e.g., paints, coatings, adhesives, cleaning products).
  • Articles containing chemicals (e.g., furniture, electronics, textiles, and plastics) where substances are intended to be released during normal use.

4. What Is Out of Scope?

Certain substances and uses are exempt or have specific regulations under UK REACH, including:

  • Radioactive substances (covered under separate nuclear regulations).
  • Waste materials (regulated under waste management laws instead of UK REACH).
  • Non-isolated intermediates (chemicals used only in controlled industrial processes).
  • Substances under other specific laws, such as:
    • Medicinal products (regulated by the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency – MHRA).
    • Food additives and flavorings (covered under food safety regulations).
    • Pesticides and biocides (regulated under the Plant Protection Products and Biocidal Products Regulations).

5. Key Regulatory Responsibilities Under UK REACH

A. Registration of Chemicals

Companies manufacturing or importing 1 tonne or more per year of a substance must register it with UK REACH (HSE). The registration includes:

  • Chemical identity and composition.
  • Safety and hazard data.
  • Intended uses and risk management measures.

B. Evaluation of Chemicals

The HSE assesses submitted data to ensure compliance with safety standards. This process helps identify:

  • Substances that need further investigation.
  • Potential risks to human health and the environment.

C. Authorisation of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs)

UK REACH restricts or bans substances classified as SVHCs, including:

  • Carcinogens, mutagens, and substances toxic to reproduction (CMRs).
  • Persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) substances.
  • Endocrine disruptors that interfere with hormonal systems.

Companies must apply for authorisation to continue using these substances, proving that safer alternatives are unavailable.

D. Restriction of Hazardous Chemicals

Certain hazardous substances are prohibited or restricted under UK REACH, meaning they:

  • Cannot be used above specific concentration limits.
  • Require specific risk management measures.
  • May be phased out entirely from UK markets.

6. UK REACH and Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland follows EU REACH under the Northern Ireland Protocol. This means:

  • Companies trading in Northern Ireland must comply with EU REACH regulations.
  • Businesses exporting from Great Britain to Northern Ireland must meet both UK and EU REACH requirements.

7. International Trade and UK REACH

  • Imports from the EU: Previously, EU REACH registrations applied in the UK. Now, companies must submit new UK REACH registrations to continue trading.
  • Exports to the EU: UK-based manufacturers and exporters must comply with EU REACH separately for selling chemicals in Europe.
  • Recognition of EU REACH Data: While UK REACH aims to minimize data duplication, businesses cannot automatically rely on past EU REACH registrations without re-submitting data.

8. Conclusion

UK REACH regulates nearly all chemical substances in Great Britain, ensuring they are assessed for safety and managed properly. Its scope covers manufacturing, import, supply, and use of chemicals while exempting substances covered by other regulatory frameworks. Businesses must register, evaluate, and comply with safety restrictions to maintain compliance under UK REACH.