The REACH regulation, which came into effect on June 1, 2008, required pre-registration of designated phase-in chemical substances starting from that date. Pre-registration is free of charge; therefore, the European Chemicals Agency encouraged manufacturers to take advantage of this pre-registration period (June 1, 2008 to December 1, 2008) and communicate with suppliers to confirm their understanding of the REACH regulation and the pre-registration timeline.
There are already signs of certain products being phased out of the market, and this trend is expected to continue until 2008. The most threatened chemicals are those that are toxic, carcinogenic, teratogenic, or reproductively toxic. Many manufacturers may begin using alternatives to replace these highly dangerous chemicals this year. However, the reasons for these alternatives are currently unknown and may present potential manufacturing difficulties.
Regarding the prices of chemical substances, although the European Commission believes the impact should be minimal, it estimates that the prices of some chemical substances will increase due to the registration and assessment required by regulations.
The REACH Directive requires manufacturers to prepare Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) in accordance with Annex II of the REACH Regulation. Therefore, suppliers should now begin preparing MSDSs. MSDSs should be prepared for items including ink cartridges in printers and electrolytes in batteries. After registration begins, suppliers are responsible for updating the MSDSs and summarizing the exposure scenarios in the annex.
Manufacturers of goods are obligated to provide information on the presence of substances of very high concern (SPHs) and must disclose such information within 45 days of being requested. The list of SPHs is expected to be released in 2009. Greenpeace and other environmental organizations also encourage consumers to write to manufacturers requesting information on the chemical composition of their products.
GHS (Globally Harmonized System) Chemical substance labeling system：
The hazard labels used in the European Union are expected to be changed to be consistent with the UN-established Good Hazards and Safety (GHS) system in 2008. No specific date has been set for the change, but once the GHS system is adopted, all products will be required to bear the new labels on their shipments and packaging.
