• To establish a coherent registration system designed to provide basic hazard and risk information on new and existing chemical substances manufactured in or imported into the EU


• To reverse the burden of proof, moving it away from Member States' authorities to producing and importing companies, who will be responsible for demonstrating that substances can be used safely


• To introduce responsibility for downstream users to provide information on uses and associated risk management measures relating to substances


• To maintain the existing restriction system and to introduce an authorisation procedure for the most hazardous substances as a new instrument


• To ensure greater transparency and openness for the public by providing easier access to relevant information on chemicals


• To establish a European Chemicals Agency to facilitate the administration of REACH and ensure that the system is applied in a harmonised way across the EU

Cefic and the chemical industry are taking up this responsibility as part of their continuing commitment to increasing the level of safe chemicals management

REACH entered into force on June 1, 2007. One of the fundamental changes brought by REACH is the change of responsibility from public authorities to industry in demonstrating the safe manufacture and use of chemicals.

Cefic positions itself as a holding presenting a corporate structure with one subsidiary: ReachCentrum.

offers services such as REACH consortia management, SIEF support, consultancy, workshops and webinars to support REACH implementation within companies or organizations.

Cefic is making every effort to help businesses in their preparation for REACH, supporting effective compliance to the benefit of European business and society at large.

Together with Cefic members and industry partners, practical guidelines and tools have been developed (Documents and tools, Libraries, IT tools, useful links, including for Classification and labelling).

Such guidance is open to all businesses – and not restricted to Cefic members. This open approach helps ensure REACH implementation contributing to the sustainability of the European industry.