REACH regulation (in English, Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) is a European Union regulation that arose from the need to regulate chemicals produced or imported into the EU. Knowing the REACH regulation is vital for importing companies from China, as only a small portion of manufacturers in this country can guarantee that their products meet the EU’s chemical substance standards. Bull Importer offers the possibility of conducting a blind laboratory analysis before signing the import contract.
Not all European importers are familiar with the REACH regulation, despite its importance. Failure to comply with the required standards can result in severe penalties, which can reach several million euros. For this reason, Bull Importer aims to address, paraphrasing Woody Allen, everything you always wanted to know about the REACH regulation but were afraid to ask.
Knowing and applying the REACH regulation is vital for importing. Only some Asian manufacturers can guarantee that their products comply with chemical substance standards. With Bull Importer, you can perform a preliminary laboratory analysis to avoid penalties
Does the REACH regulation apply to all goods imported into the European Union?
Yes. The REACH regulation applies to chemical substances contained in all types of imported goods. Only certain chemicals, such as those used in the manufacture of products for defense, medical, or veterinary purposes, are exempt.
Is it mandatory to comply with the REACH regulation even if the imported goods comply with other specific directives?
It is true that the REACH regulation has some overlaps with other regulations, such as those applied to toys or hazardous substances (RoHS). However, the REACH regulation requires information on the use, manufacture, and importation of chemicals regardless of whether the goods comply with other safety regulations.
Which products are exempt from compliance?
The only general exception applies to substances, mixtures, or articles for national defense. However, certain products are only partially exempt. These include medical, veterinary, cosmetic, and food products. It is important to delve into the guide published by the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) to know in detail when an exception can be applied.
Who is responsible for REACH compliance, the Asian manufacturer or the European importer?
The obligation to ensure compliance with the REACH regulation always falls on the importing company. To sell goods in the European market, the European importer must ensure that the products comply with chemical substance restrictions.
How does the importer guarantee that the goods comply with REACH?
There is no formal requirement or specific test that the importer must perform. Each company must use appropriate methods and laboratory tests to ensure that the products are free of restricted chemicals.
How are goods containing different components and materials verified?
In this case, the Asian supplier is required to provide all relevant information on environmental, health, and safety aspects of the chemical substances. Importers can (and should) request this information from their suppliers. However, the importer is the final responsible party for compliance, so it is necessary to verify the received information. In many cases, the only way to ensure that a product complies with REACH is to conduct a laboratory test. Bull Importer offers the option of a blind laboratory analysis by third parties before signing the import contract.
What consequences can a company face for not complying with REACH requirements?
Goods that do not comply with the REACH regulation cannot legally enter the European Union. Ignoring this measure can result in heavy financial penalties. Each member state sets its own penalties, but in any case, they can amount to several million euros.
As we have explained, compliance with the REACH regulation is vital if you want to import products from China or other Asian countries. Bull Importer only works with verified suppliers who can guarantee compliance with this and other regulations applicable in the European Union. With the help of our management,
