UK REACH Compliance

UK REACH regulates the registration, evaluation, authorisation, and restriction of chemicals in Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales), covering substances on their own, in mixtures, or within articles.

Introduced on 1 January 2021 after the UK’s departure from the EU, UK REACH adapts the EU’s REACH Regulation to UK law. However, under the Northern Ireland Protocol, EU REACH continues to apply in Northern Ireland. The two regulations operate independently, and compliance with both may be necessary, depending on your market.

UK REACH imposes a responsibility on companies to identify and manage the risks of substances they manufacture and market in Great Britain. Companies must prove that their substances can be used safely, and effectively communicate the required risk management measures to users. Ensuring compliance with these obligations is essential for all UK-based companies or companies placing their products on the UK market.

Your obligations under UK REACH

Achieving REACH compliance is important. Non-compliance could affect:

• Market Access: Non-compliance risks losing access to UK markets and limits growth.
• Reputation Risk: Your brand could suffer if you do not meet your regulatory obligations or your products harm the people or the environment.
• Supply Chain Disruptions: Challenges can cause delays with lasting effects on the supply chain.

UK REACH requires businesses to manage and prove the safety of substances they produce or market in Great Britain, including communicating necessary risk management measures. Recent enforcement actions highlight the importance of proactive compliance to protect your business and market access.