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Importing chemicals - navigating REACH

24 January 2024

Both the European Union (EU) and the UK have REACH regulations in place to govern the safe use and registration of chemicals. Although these regulations are similar, understanding their nuances is crucial.

Purple chemical being poured into a container

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?


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