What is REACH ?
REACH is an acronym for the regulation EC 1907/2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of CHemicals.
Understanding REACH Registration Obligations
REACH requires that all chemical substances manufactured or imported in the EU, in quantities exceeding 1 tonne per year must be registered with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
For substances imported or manufactured in quantities above 10 tonnes per year, a Chemical Safety Report (CSR) is also required. The CSR summarizes the results of the Chemical Safety Assessment (CSA). It ensures that the substance can be used safely and in compliance with EU regulations.
The registration process involves submitting a technical dossier that provides detailed information about the substance. It includes composition, properties, uses, and safe handling of the susbtance.
REACH registration and Only Representative Services for International Companies
Simplifying Market Access with an Only Representative
Under the REACH Regulation, the obligation to register substances rests with the EU importer. However, this responsibility can be transferred to a non-EU manufacturer through the appointment of an Only Representative.
By appointing an Only Representative (OR) established within the European Economic Area (EEA), non-EU manufacturers can ensure compliance with REACH requirements while simplifying their supply chain for EU importers. The Only Representative assumes the full regulatory obligations of the importer for the substances covered by the agreement. It includes registration, communication with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), and ongoing compliance duties.
This arrangement enables non-EU companies to maintain direct access to the EU market without requiring each individual EU customer to assume registration responsibilities. As a result, downstream importers are relieved from their obligations under REACH for the substances covered.
For companies established outside the European Economic Area (EEA), REACH needs to be done by an European economic operator. For this process, you will need a Only Representative based in Europe, mandated by you to submit the information to the agency for you.
An Only Representative assumes the REACH legal obligations of your EU importers, including registration duties, enabling smoother access to the European market. This reduces importer liability and ensures regulatory compliance. It also simplifies managing REACH requirements across multiple products and countries.
Your Only Representative can:
- Ensure full REACH compliance for all imported substances.
- Coordinate testing and data collection for registration dossiers.
- Prepare and submit dossiers in IUCLID format to ECHA.
- Negotiate Letters of Access for shared data with other registrants.
- Receive ongoing regulatory support and monitoring of changes in EU chemical regulations.
Why Partner with Us?
Our Only Representative service includes comprehensive support throughout the REACH compliance process. It includes substance identification, registration dossier preparation, submission to ECHA, and lifecycle management of registrations. We also act as the single point of contact for all regulatory communications and updates. We ensure continuous compliance with evolving EU chemical legislation.
By relying on our expertise, non-EU manufacturers benefit from reduced administrative burden. It increases regulatory certainty, and improves market access efficiency across the European Union.
Our team of regulatory and legal experts specializes in helping international companies navigate the complexities of REACH.
If your goal is to sell chemical substances in Europe safely, efficiently, and in full compliance with REACH, our team is ready to assist. Contact us today to discuss your specific needs.