US chemicals suppliers ignorant of EU REACH legislation

ERJ staff report (DS)

New York -- A US-based consultancy claims that US business leaders appear lax about taking steps to comply with the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals legislation, or REACH. The report,"Waking up to REACH" by PricewaterhouseCoopers claims, "Two-thirds of North American organisations have limited knowledge of the operational impacts the European Union (EU) legislation could have on their business. There is also concern that North American companies will miss important REACH deadlines, consequently suffering significant business disruptions."

PricewaterhouseCoopers surveyed 241 senior executives across six industries in 29 countries to gauge readiness and reaction to REACH. The survey shows that two in five companies appear to have limited awareness of the regulation and one in four executives feels Europe's newest rules on chemicals and their safe use will have no impact on their business.

The survey found that not only is REACH awareness low among North American companies, but most survey respondents had not discussed the European law with customers or suppliers to determine the impact on their supply chains. In comparison, half of European companies surveyed said they've initiated contact with suppliers concerning REACH.

This apparent lack of action to contact suppliers and engage in discussions with downstream companies and customers could negatively affect business. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) estimates between 10 percent and 30 percent of classified chemicals that are listed with the ECHA will disappear as a result of REACH. Early communication with downstream companies and suppliers, whose businesses may be adversely impacted by the disappearance of these substances, is essential to maintain supply chains.

This is an external link and should open in a new window. If the window does not appear, please check your pop-up blocking software. ERJ is not responsible for the content of external sites.

Press release from PwC

Download report from PwC