PETER B. WALTERS
REACHReady Ltd, Kings Buildings, Smith Square, London SW1P 3JJ, United Kingdom

Abstract

The phasing in of REACH’s provisions began on 1 June 2007, now after two of the three registration deadlines in 2010 and 2013; the next major registration milestone, 31 May 2018, is looming. Various measures have been taken and are due to be applied as REACH is progressing through its eleven year transitional period. Some of the recent developments are discussed herein with a focus on their impacts on obligations for data requirements and the synergies between the developments.

INTRODUCTION
More than eight years ago, REACH entered into force with the objectives of generating information on chemicals in order to allow for better protection of human health and the environment whilst enhancing competitiveness and innovation. In this period, EU REACH – Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction (the silent ‘r’ in the acronym) of CHemicals – Regulation (1) has made a significant impact both in terms of immediate costs to industry and volume of information generated consequently. Registration is often considered to be the most resource demanding aspect, in part, because of the significant data requirements legal entities can be obliged to meet. The complexity of the Regulation coupled with unforeseen issues and dissenting views instigates a dynamic environment in which new regulations, software updates and enforcement actions are necessary for addressing shortcomings, practicalities and non-compliance. Equipping the agency, industry and the authorities with these tools is deemed necessary in order to meet an overarching aim of REACH: to identify the chemicals of the highest concern and substitute them with saf ...