Further to a number of requests for comments from the press, the CIA would like to confirm that it has not called for a postponement of the first REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) registration deadline (30 November 2010) or for any delays or “period of grace” in terms of enforcement of the legislation requirements at UK or EU level. We would not welcome a delay in REACH implementation at this very late stage.

After several years of negotiations, REACH is now at a critical stage of implementation. We would like to emphasise that our member companies are fully committed to meet the first registration deadline and are working hard and making every effort to ensure that this big piece of legislation delivers on its aims to protect human health and environment. 

We are sympathetic to downstream user concerns over the status of their substance, however, we have to date not received any indication that critical substances due for registration by November 2010 will be not registered in time or that we will experience major disruption of the supply chain.

At the beginning of October, more than 2200 substances (out of the approximately 4500 expected by 30 November 2010) had already been registered in Europe with over 6000 registration dossiers submitted. The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) will publish a list of registered substances very soon, which should help improving the transparency of the process.

REACH brings the entire supply chain into uncharted territory. However, post December 2010, the benefits of REACH in improving health, safety and environmental protection will become apparent, as communication down the supply chain improves.

Contact Name: Fiona Ferguson