"In October 2003, the European Commission adopted a proposal for a new EU regulatory framework for chemicals called REACH, which stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation of CHemicals. The two most important aims of REACH are to improve protection of human health and the environment from the risks of chemicals, and to enhance the competitiveness of the EU chemicals industry. REACH requires manufacturers and importers of chemicals to obtain relevant information on their substances, assess the risks arising from their uses, and ensure that the risks the substances may present are properly managed. By generating additional data, REACH will help close the gaps in our knowledge about many of the chemicals on the European market. Better information on hazards and risks, and how to manage them, will be passed down and up the supply chain through improved labelling and safety data sheets. REACH reverses the burden of proof so that the chemical industry must demonstrate the safe use of substances before they can be marketed within the EU. It will replace or modify the existing framework of regulations and directives governing chemical trade and use in the European Union. In addition, REACH will complement and improve the effectiveness of the existing occupational health legislation. ..."

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