RICHARD ELSMORE^1,*, MAGDALENA URBANOWSKA²
*Corresponding author
1. JSC International Limited, Harrogate, United Kingdom
2. ReachCentrum SA, Brussels, Belgium

Abstract

Europe remains one of the most highly regulated regions in the world with ever stricter and more complex legislation. This article looks at the REACH Regulation and its impact on business within the EU including considerations for mergers, acquisitions and restructuring within organisations.

INTRODUCTION

Regulation and good governance is an essential part of modern society, and no more so than in the EU. Regulating at EU level in areas such as competition, trade and the internal market builds a level playing field that creates opportunities for business, workers and consumers. It also protects the health and safety of citizens, consumers and workers; and in the chemicals sector we have seen over recent years a common EU legislative framework come into force, replacing or aligning the laws of different Member States.

The principle behind the REACH Regulation (1) follows this ideal - it is intended to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals, while enhancing the competitiveness of the EU chemicals industry. It also promotes alternative methods for the hazard assessment of substances in order to reduce the number of tests on animals.

REACH applies to all chemical substances, not only those used in industrial processes but also in our day-to-day lives, for example in cleaning products, paints as well as in articles such as clothes, furniture and electrical appliances ...