REACH Regulations on Substances Restrictions
The REACH provisions enable the management of hazardous substances, addressing their risks to humans and the environment. Consequently, these rules may impose bans or restrictions, determined through risk assessments.
Compliance with Restriction Conditions
According to the Regulations (Title VIII, Art. 67), the substance on its own, in a preparation/mixture, or in an article, for which Annex XVII contains a restriction, shall not be manufactured, placed on the market, or used unless it complies with the conditions of that restriction.
Exceptions for Scientific Research and Development
The rule doesn’t cover making, marketing, or using substances in scientific R&D. Annex XVII clarifies exemptions for product/process research, stating maximum exempted quantity.
Historical Context and Enforcement
The Annex contains restrictions on the marketing and use of hazardous substances adopted since 1976 in the framework of Directive 76/769/EEC. Title VIII and Annex XVII of REACH entered into force in June 2009.
Recent Revisions and Amendments
Annex XVII underwent revision; consequently, it encompassed recent restrictions from Directive 76/769/EEC on PFOS, arsenic, mercury in measuring devices, DEGME, DEGBE, MDI, cyclohexane, and ammonium nitrate. This amended version became Commission Regulation (EC) 552/2009 on June 22, 2009, altering European Parliament and Council Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 about REACH’s Annex XVII.
Anticipated Changes and Future Amendments
The Commission is actively working on a change for the next update of Annex XVII of REACH. Furthermore, it plans to adopt the amendment in spring 2010.
Further information can be found:
The website of the European Commission – REACH restrictions>>