Reaching higher

The European Union's new REACH regulation (Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals) took effect in 2007.

The purpose of the regulation is to ensure a high level of health and environmental protection throughout the EU, while increasing the competence of the EU's chemical industry with strict safety requirements.

Forchem, which has always operated in accordance with high quality and environmental requirements, considers REACH to be a good reform. Forchem has actively participated in the regulation's pre-registration well in time before the expiry of the pre-registration period, and has been closely involved in the progress of the process.

REACH consists of substantial information concerning the potential harmful effects of chemical compounds, and of a comprehensive risk assessment of the compounds' impact on the environment and people, also in the future. REACH will particularly emphasise the ecological responsibility of manufacturers, while making it possible to provide end products with even better quality and more comprehensive safety information.

Forchem’s Position

For the manufacturers, importers and users of chemicals, REACH introduced new obligations, the most essential of which is the compulsory registration of chemicals. REACH registration covers all chemicals, of which a minimum of 1 metric ton per year is manufactured or imported within the EU zone.

Forchem's products were pre-registered in 2008. The registration well in time has enabled Forchem to have an active role at the Substance Information Exchange Forums preparing for the actual registration. The careful preparations have ensured that the actual registration of Forchem's high-volume products will begin on time in 2010.

The European Chemicals Agency has listed Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC’s), none of the Forchem’s products nor used substances is mentioned on the list.