UK chemicals group urges SMEs to prepare for REACH III

London – Smaller companies in the UK chemicals industry must start preparing for changes to REACH – Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals – regulations, according to the Chemical Industries Association (CIA).

Under phase III of REACH, all chemicals manufactured in or imported into Europe in quantities between 1-100 tonnes per year must be registered by 1 June –  a change that will particularly impact small businesses with no previous experience of REACH.

“Two years may seem like a long time, but it is important that companies start to prepare now,” said Silvia Segna, REACH executive at the CIA.

The London-based association has been working with the UK government and the European Chemical Agency to raise awareness about the need for action regarding the new requirements.

“Waiting till later may lead to chemicals not being able to be registered causing disruption to their manufacture and/or import with potential knock-on effects on businesses and product availability,” warned Segna.