The cornerstone of the chemicals legislation in Europe
REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) is the EU’s comprehensive regulation designed to protect people and the environment from potential risks posed by chemicals, and to ensure the free circulation of substances on the internal market while enhancing competitiveness and innovation. In force since June 2007, REACH primarily regulates the production and use of chemical substances. It applies to all chemical substances- whether used in industrial processes or present in everyday products like cleaning supplies, paints, clothes, furniture, and electronic appliances.
Under REACH, companies are required to identify and manage the risks associated with substances they manufacture or market in the EU. Where risks cannot be adequately managed, authorities may restrict the use of these substances.
The principle of “no data – no market” ensures that no substance can be manufactured, used or imported in the EU without prior registration with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). This mechanism ensures comprehensive information on chemical substances is available, fostering informed decision making, enhancing trust, and promoting safe use of chemicals in Europe.
Cefic’s support for REACH implementation
Cefic has long supported the effective implementation of REACH, notably through its Dossier Improvement Action Plan. Launched in 2019, this initiative mobilises companies to systematically review and update data in previously submitted REACH registration dossiers.
Download the 2025 anual report highlighting the work of the signatory companies of the REACH dossier Improvement Action Plan
Read more about the REACH dossier improvement action plan
A 10 point plan to simplify REACH
Europe’s chemicals industry is under severe pressure, with closures rising sharply since 2022 due to high energy costs, weak economic recovery, global distortions and an increasingly complex regulatory environment. As Professor Draghi has emphasised, reducing regulatory burden is essential to strengthen Europe’s resilience and competitiveness. Recent EU initiatives, including the Chemical Industry Action Plan, the Competitiveness Compass and the 2025 Work Programme, signal the intention to simplify REACH while maintaining high levels of protection.
REACH remains a cornerstone of EU chemicals policy. It is a well-designed, fit-for-purpose framework that ensures a high level of protection for human health and the environment. Most current challenges arise from implementation and enforcement, rather than from deficiencies in the legislation itself. Simplification should therefore focus on smarter, more efficient application of the existing framework – cutting complexity, improving implementation, reducing costs and uncertainty (especially for SMEs), and avoiding regulatory fragmentation – without reopening the legal text.
The objective must be a clear, predictable and effective REACH that supports investment, strengthens Europe’s industrial base and strategic resilience, and maintains high standards of protection for people and the environment.
Below are the overarching principles from Cefic’s 10-point action plan
Obtain a more predictable, evidence-based framework for regulating chemicals
Cefic calls for clear, evidence-based regulations and thorough risk assessments, ensuring transparent and predictable regulatory processes with clear timelines.
Authorisation and restriction procedures must be streamlined and efficient, while avoiding simplistic assessments that overlook the complexity of chemical substances and their uses.
Avoid adding unnecessary burden for industry
Unnecessary administrative burdens for industry should be removed and no new excessive burden should be added.
Cefic urges the development of clear problem definitions before regulating polymers and advocates using existing legal mechanisms for managing combined exposure, instead of introducing new measures like the Mixture Allocation Factor.
Improve data requirements and the registration process
Data requirements must focus on essential safety information, reducing complexity , costs and the need for animal testing.
The adoption of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) will modernise chemical safety assessments and enhance efficiency. Continuous dialogue between companies and ECHA will help to identify and resolve day-to-day operational challenges.
Ensure rules on chemicals are enforced & enforceable
Cefic emphasises the need for a level playing field, ensuring that EU companies are not in competitive disadvantage compared to non-EU companies due to enforcement “blind” spots.