Implementation of the REACH Regulation and quality of dossiers
Under REACH—apart from a few exceptions—all substances produced, imported, or placed on the market in the EU in quantities of more than one metric ton p.a. have to be registered. Evonik supports the goals with respect to protecting health and the environment when handling chemicals. To implement the complex REACH requirements, we maintain close dialogue with our suppliers and customers as well as with industry associations and authorities.
Alongside the continued need to register substances, the main priorities include evaluating dossiers and substances as well as restriction and authorization. Evonik itself is not presently affected by authorizations. We compare the substance lists published by the authorities with our own portfolio to identify as early as possible whether any of our substances come within this focus so that we can take appropriate action. We maintain close contact with our customers on this. Our reviews additionally cover the raw materials we purchase. In the case of SVHCs—such as those on the REACH Candidate List—we discuss the steps to be taken with our suppliers or look for alternatives. We have set up an email mailbox for all REACH-related inquiries from customers and suppliers to ensure they receive comprehensive and timely answers. Another focus of our REACH activities is updating the dossiers for substances that have already been registered. This is based closely on the Cefic action plan, which Evonik has signed as part of a voluntary commitment. The inspection of all of Evonik’s dossiers with a view to further enhancing quality will take place incrementally up to year-end 2026. Progress is outlined annually in our sustainability report and in reporting to Cefic. We have reviewed more than 600 dossiers since the action plan started in mid-2019.
REACH-type regulations in other regions
Various countries and regions have either already introduced or are currently bringing in chemicals regulations with requirements broadly similar to those of EU REACH. Examples include South Korea, Turkey, Taiwan, and the Eurasian Economic Union. Other countries, such as the USA, have likewise raised their standards significantly. Evonik is actively monitoring the development of regulations worldwide in order to be able to implement them in the relevant regions.
The Globally Harmonized System (GHS)
Established by the United Nations, the GHS is a worldwide system for the classification of chemicals as well as for their consistent labeling on packaging and in safety data sheets. The GHS is still not applied uniformly around the world. This is why we have an in-house database to gather information on progress, changes, and national requirements for internal communication. Evonik applies the GHS/CLP requirements worldwide.