REACH stands for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals. It enters into force on 1st June, 2007.

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. Therefore, the regulation has an impact on most companies across the EU.

On 23 January 2024, the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) updated the REACH Candidate list. Five new substances of very high concerns (SVHCs) were added. Hence total number of SVHCs on the Candidate list increases from 235 to 240.

Indian manufacturers or exporters willing to sell the product in the EU market or to European companies in India also tends to clear & pass the same REACH legislation.