REACH
REACH is the European Union regulation (EC 1907/2006) governing chemical substances placed on the EU market. It requires manufacturers and importers to register substances made or imported into the EU above one tonne per year with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), and it restricts or requires authorisation for hazardous substances — including those on the SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) candidate list.
REACH reaches beyond raw chemicals: it applies to substances, mixtures and even articles (finished products) that contain or release regulated substances. For importers into the EU the obligations can be significant — the "no data, no market" principle means an unregistered substance simply cannot be sold. It commonly sits alongside RoHS and CE marking in a product's EU compliance file.
REACH is the EU's "no data, no market" rule for chemicals — if a substance isn't registered, it can't be sold, and SVHC substances carry disclosure and authorisation duties. For anyone importing chemicals or products containing them into the EU, REACH obligations decide whether the goods can legally enter at all.
> 1 t/yr
with ECHA
EU market
What is an SVHC under REACH?
A Substance of Very High Concern — on ECHA's candidate list — which carries disclosure obligations and may require authorisation to use.
Does REACH apply to finished products?
Yes — it applies to substances, mixtures, and articles (finished products) that contain or release regulated substances, not just raw chemicals.