The Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, known as REACH Regulation, has been in force since 2006 and concerns the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). The REACH Regulation aims to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemical substances, mixtures or articles, while enhancing the competitiveness of the EU chemicals industry worldwide.

As opposed to earlier legislation, REACH places the burden of proof on the industry, which must identify and manage possible risks associated with chemicals in order to comply with the regulation’s provisions. Furthermore, producers of these substances have to demonstrate to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) how a substance can be safely used and they must communicate the potential risks and protection measures to its users.

To help companies meet the above mentioned requirements, the Regulation has established a set of processes that have been highly welcomed by chemical companies and supply chains.

As part of these processes, the Regulation imposes restrictions to substances, mixtures and articles aiming at protecting human life and the environment from unacceptable risks posed by the use of a certain substance. These restrictions may limit or ban the manufacture, placing on the market or sale to the general public and may even limit the use of a substance.

In special cases, such as diisocyanates, due to their use in multiple applications, competent authorities may ask for the development of use-specific initiatives. These will ensure that employees exposed to the use of these substances will be adequately informed and trained so as to be able to manage potential risks arising from handling or contact.