REACH – a full overhaul of chemicals legislation

The REACH proposal – Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals – is the EU Commission’s proposal for a new chemicals regulation.

REACH has been on the drawing table since 1998. The proposal is now in the second reading. Estimated entry into force is in spring 2007. The industry supports the objectives drafted in the proposal, but underlines improvement of workability. For Finland the proposal would mean the establishment of a chemicals agency based in Helsinki. Agency will start in a downtown location.

Milestones of REACH

1998	Preparations started
2003	The official proposal of the Commission published
2004	EU Council processing of the proposal
First half of 2005	Processing by Parliament commences and processing by Council continues
Last half of 2005	Processing by Parliament and Council continues Vote in the European Parliament plenary session concludes the first reading The Council adopts a political agreement
First half of 2006	The Austrian Presidency of the Council Council common position
Last half of 2006	The Finnish Presidency of the Council Second reading
2007	Proposal's estimated entry into force