What is REACH?

All production and importation of chemicals into the European Union is now regulated by the regulatory framework, REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals), which came into force in June 2007 and became operational a year later.

The legislation makes registration of all substances produced or imported into the EU mandatory.

The regulation, which replaces around 40 pieces of legislation, requires manufacturers and importers of chemicals, in quantities of more than one metric ton per year, to submit hazard, use, exposure and risk data for identified uses of substances.

REACH Philosophy

  • Industry assesses, communicates, and manages risk. REACH registration is required for EU market access.
  • Manufacturers and importers of substances collect information on substance properties, product applications and exposure to users and the environment and assess and communicate risk management measures within the supply chain.
  • Downstream users, e.g., customers, inform suppliers about use and use conditions.
  • Substance registration provides evidence to authorities that the supply chain applies the process.

More information:

Dow Statement on Potential Submission of Trichloroethylene (TRI) to Authorisation (156KB PDF)

Dow Statement on the proposal of trichloroethylene as SVHC (171KB PDF)

REACH Schedule (56KB PDF)

ECHA (European Chemical Agency) Guidance for Downstream Users

Status report of REACH for Dow Cleaning Products

Dow - REACH Fact Sheet (184KB PDF)

Dow - REACH Frequently Asked Questions (89KB PDF)

Product Information Sheets


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