The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has launched a new series of shortened versions of the REACH guidance documents and fact sheet on the inclusion of substances in the List of Substances Subject to Authorisation.

The first two guidance publications—Requirement for Substances in Articles and Registration Data and Dossier Handling—are now available on its website.

These documents aim to explain the main elements of ECHA’s guidance in simple terms. The summary is designed to assist companies producing, importing and/or supplying articles in the European Union (EU) and in Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway.

It clarifies the obligations companies have under REACH in relation to substances in articles. It also helps to ensure they comply with the REACH legislation. This is also relevant to exporters outside the EU.

In particular it focuses on the information requirements, for example the data on physicochemical, toxicological and ecotoxicological properties, and on chemical safety assessment. Practical guidance on how to prepare and submit a registration dossier is also provided.