Supply Chain Tour
How will the REACH Directive Impact my Company
Features
The burden of compliance
The REACH Directive applies to thousands of substances that are used or are present in products such as electronic devices, cars, toys, packaging, consumer goods etc. Compliance with REACH will require manufacturers to have detailed knowledge of the chemicals they and their supply chain use in their products. The burden of compliance falls on all companies, large or small who operate in or export into the EU. Because REACH applies to some substances that are contained in objects ('articles' in REACH terminology), any company importing goods into Europe could be affected. The implication is that manufacturers and importers must understand the compliance of their own and their supply chains’ products.
What chemicals and how long will this last?
There is no final or definitive list of chemicals which are likely to be covered by REACH. Currently, there are 15 chemicals on the SVHC. This list will change and the allowable concentrations will be reduced over time. Therefore unlike RoHS Compliance which was viewed as a once-off affair, the management of REACH will be ongoing and extensive
