The enforcement of REACH and CLP

This website is all about the enforcement of REACH (a new European Community Regulation on chemicals and their safe use (EC 1907/2006), dealing with the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical substances) and the new EU Regulation on the classification, labelling and packaging of chemical substances and mixtures (known as CLP). The main target group for this website consists of private-sector firms, which is why the information on the website is geared to their needs. Enforcement authorities can refer to the enforcement portal for information.

The REACH and CLP Regulations are enforced by a team of inspectors from three different inspectorates, that is the Labour Inspectorate, the Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority and the Inspectorate for Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment. The aim is to ensure that the Regulations are enforced effectively and to minimise the administrative burden on the private sector. Enforcement is intended to be uniform, selective and risk-based.

The enforcement of the REACH and CLP Regulations is the prime responsibility of three inspectorates, the Labour Inspectorate, the Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority and the Inspectorate for Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment. Each target group has been allocated one inspectorate, which is responsible for all communications with the target group in question. The division of responsibilities is broadly as follows:

• The Labour Inspectorate is responsible for professional users of chemical substances and mixtures (that is preparations).
• The Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority supervises manufacturers, importers and traders in mixtures (or preparations) and articles for use by consumers.
• The Inspectorate for Housing, Spatial Planning and the Environment is the regulator for manufacturers, importers and traders in mixtures (or preparations) and articles intended for professional users.

The Department for the State Supervision of Mines (SSM) and the Customs Administration are also involved in the enforcement of REACH and CLP. Finally, the Transport, Public Works and Water Management Inspectorate also plays a role in information-sharing on companies and persons who are subject to supervision.

The REACH and CLP Enforcement Steering Group is responsible for the contents of this website.