Importing chemicals - navigating REACH

Understanding REACH

REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. It's a set of regulations that control the manufacture and importing of chemicals within the European Union (EU) and also within the UK.

• EU REACH no longer applies to the UK. All requirements are about the use of the chemicals and not exporting them.
• UK REACH covers imports from anywhere, including the EU, but only if exceeding a 1-tonne annual threshold.

Who needs to register chemicals?

• Manufacturers: Those who produce or extract chemicals must register each one. This involves providing information on safe use and ensuring a Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is readily available.
• Importers: Anyone bringing chemicals into the areas covered by the regulations, whether for supply or use (downstream users), also have the same responsibilities.

UCL's involvement under REACH

UCL may be considered a "downstream user" under REACH in rare cases. This occurs when:

• A chemical is unavailable from an approved UK supplier with a warehouse in the UK.
• The chemical must be shipped directly from the country of origin to UCL, bypassing a UK warehouse. Even in such scenarios, REACH applies only if the imported quantity of the chemical exceeds 1-tonne per year.

Recommendations for UCL

• Prioritise UK suppliers: Whenever possible, source chemicals from companies based in the UK to avoid REACH complexities.
• Manage EU orders: If ordering from the EU, minimise quantities to stay below the 1-tonne threshold per year.
• Seek guidance for large imports: If importing more than 1-tonne from outside the UK, email Safety Services for assistance with UK REACH compliance.

Where can I get further information?

• Working safely with chemicals
• UK REACH explained (HSE)

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