REACH

What is REACH?

REACH is the chemical regulation of the European Union and stands for Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals. It came into force on June 1, 2007 and replaces the previous European chemical legislations. The main aim of REACH is to further enhance the protection of human health and environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals.

In contrast to previous regulations, REACH applies to all chemical substances and makes no differentiation between existing and new substances. To comply with the regulation, manufacturers and/or importers must evaluate the risks linked to the chemicals they market in the European Union and must provide users with pertinent safety information.

FUJIFILM Wako takes all necessary actions to register its relevant substances as stipulated by REACH in order to continue and secure the supply of our products in Europe.

Registration

The registration timelines and requirements depend on the manufactured or imported substance quantities and its properties. Since June 1, 2018 all substances manufactured or imported in volumes greater than one ton per year must be registered with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). FUJIFILM Wako takes all necessary actions to ensure the continuous supply of our products in Europe.

Chemical Safety Assessment

The main aim of REACH is the safe use and handling of chemicals. Therefore, for all substances which are manufactured or imported in an annual quantity of 10 metric tons or more, a Chemical Safety Assessment (CSA) is required. For this assessment, FUJIFILM Wako thoroughly evaluates the impact of its substances on humans and the environment and documents the results as well as the necessary risk measures in the Chemical Safety Report (CRS). Both documents, CSA and CRS, have to be submitted to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) as part of the registration process.

Substances of Very High Concern

REACH requires a special authorization procedure for Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) which have very hazardous properties. These substances are published in the “candidate list” by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) which evaluates whether or not these chemicals require authorization. Substances that become subject of authorization are listed in Appendix XIV of the REACH regulation. This implies that they cannot be marketed in the European Union unless an authorization is granted.

If you use our substances and you need more information regarding REACH, please do not hesitate to contact us (info_wkeu@fujifilm.com).

Further links regarding REACH

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
echa.europa.eu

German Association of the Chemical lndustry (VCI)
www.vci.de

European Chemical lndustry Counsil (CEFIC)
www.cefic.org