Registration, Evaluation & Authorization of Chemicals or REACH is new legislation that is being implemented by the European Union (EU) to better protect human health and the environment from hazardous chemicals. REACH establishes a registration system for chemical substances that requires the traceability of chemicals and identification of chemical substances within goods (Articles or Preparations). The objective of this registration system is to provide hazard and risk information about a chemical substance at any point during its lifecycle. As such, REACH affects not only chemical manufacturers, but also product manufacturers, distributors, retailers and importers that import, manufacturer or place products on the EU market.
With increasing concern about the adverse affects on our health and environment from hazardous substances, several countries including the United States, have enacted legislation and restrictions for a number of hazardous substances. These requirements affect a variety of industries including apparel, footwear, hardlines, electronic and electrical, toys and juvenile products. There is also continued pressure from governmental agencies, non-governmental organizations and a changing competitive marketplace to reduce the exposure of the user and environment to various chemicals that present health hazards. Many brands, retailers and manufacturers have adopted Restricted Substances List (RSL) programs to address this challenge.
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