REACH (Reg 1907/2006): risk management & competence sharing mechanisms

This study examines REACH, the current European Regulation, relating to the production, trade and import of chemical substances in the European internal market. It consists of two generic parts. The scope of the first part is to place REACH in the wider European policy framework, to underline the priorities, objectives and aspirations behind its adoption. It therefore analyses the chosen fragmented regulatory model, as illustrated in the powers and responsibilities bestowed to the actors involved in its implementation: the chemical industry's stakeholders, bringing the burden of responsibility for the main registration phase, the competences of ECHA and the Member States' role. The report of the second part, examines mainly the registration process and the paramount role of the collection and dissemination of information, especially during the joint submission of registration dossiers and the data-sharing obligation. The following three processes of evaluation, authorisation and restrictions are seen as a continuation of the registration one, a comparison to which demonstrates the operational characteristics through the shift of roles and competences of the main actors.