Minister urges early action on REACH
New EU rules for controlling chemicals will increase confidence in their safe use, according to the UK's department of the environment, food and rural affairs (DEFRA), but it insists that manufacturers, importers and users of chemicals need to get involved now.
People who manufacture in or import chemicals from outside Europe in quantities over one tonne are required to register these chemicals as part of the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals programme (REACH). Under REACH, chemicals will be fully evaluated and controlled to manage risks to people and the environment.
Between 1 June and 1 December 2008, businesses can ease the REACH registration process by pre-registering the chemicals they manufacture or import with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) in Helsinki. Failure to do this may have significant implications because businesses will have to stop manufacturing or importing until they register substances.
UK environment minister Phil Woolas said: "Most businesses use chemicals and many rely on them without realising it. If you think you need to register chemicals, take advantage of the opportunity to pre-register before 1 December year. It makes good business sense."
