REACH stands for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation of Chemicals. This EU regulation centralises and simplifies chemicals legislation throughout Europe and entered into force on 1st of June 2007. The declared aim is to improve the level of knowledge about the dangers and risks that chemicals may pose. Companies are expected to assume even more responsibility for the safe handling of their products.

Substances may only be manufactured or placed on the market in the EU if they first have been registered under REACH. The registration must be carried out by the manufacturer or importer. A manufacturer who is not located in the EU and exports or intends to export may appoint an Only Representative to fulfil the obligations under REACH.