Reaching Forward

New report looks at developments in European chemical legislation.

Chemical control measures in the European Union are soon to be dramatically revised. A new Rapra Review Report, EU Regulation of Chemicals: REACH, sets the scene by describing the key facts of the existing measures and the objectives of the future chemicals policy, REACH.

REACH, or Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals, will place a duty on companies that manufacture, import, and use chemicals in the EU to assess the risks arising from their use and manage any risks identified. With industry concerns about the cost of compliance in terms of testing, in-house management, and scientific and regulatory advice and consultancy, this report presents the essential details of the objectives and timescales involved with the legislation.

The objective of the new legislation is to ensure a high level of protection for human health and the environment while maintaining an efficient internal market complete with innovation and competitiveness in the chemical industry. The author covers the main points, with abstracts from the Rapra Polymer Library identifying the sources for further reading on this subject.

EU Regulation of Chemicals: REACH is essential reading for chemical and material manufacturers and suppliers. It describes clearly the forthcoming fundamental changes to chemical control in the EU.

The report is written by Derek Knight, director of Regulatory Affairs at Safepharm Laboratories Ltd., an expert in regulatory requirements that provides advice on testing and document submission to regulatory authorities. Knight is a fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and the British Institute of Regulatory Affairs, and has published extensively on regulatory issues, alternatives to animal testing, food contact materials, and biocides.

For more information, or to order the report, contact Publication Sales, Rapra Technology, Shawbury, Shrewsbury, Shropshire, SY4 4NR, United Kingdom; phone +44 (0) 1939 250383; fax +44 (0) 1939 251118; e-mail publications@rapra.net or visit http://www.polymer-books.com .

CALL FOR PAPERS: REACH 2007

Rapra Technology has announced an international conference, REACH 2007. The event, scheduled to take place April 17-18, 2007, in Brussels, Belgium, will discuss REACH and its effects on the chemical, rubber, and plastics industries.

A call for papers has been issued. Papers are invited on:

Overviews on what the legislation covers and what it means in practice for industry
REACH - practical papers on test requirements and feasibility
Effect of REACH on polymer materials
Effect of REACH on the supply of chemicals in the EU
Cost of implementing REACH in the industry
Data sharing and data sources
Market surveys of the effect of the legislation on material and chemical supplies
Country-specific issues relating to the legislation.

The deadline for offering a paper is October 27. Send speaker details, a title and short summary to Sally Humphreys at shumphreys@rapra.net ; phone +44 (0) 1939-250383; fax +44 (0) 1939-251118.