Current theme
Authorization, the ”A” in REACH, was launched earlier this year with the first list of six substances. The details of the process were elaborated further during the ECHA Stakeholder Day on 18th May 2011. With the first substances on the official list of substances of very high concern requiring authorization for continued use beyond substance specific deadlines, the time frame is now clear. After the deadline called “sunset date”, the substances may in principle only be placed on the market for a specific use or used if an authorization has been granted for this use, or the use is exempted from authorization.
An authorization for continued use can be granted upon application on two basic grounds only. First, continued use can be authorized if it can be shown that risks are adequately controlled, i.e. the substance can be used safely without endangering human health or the environment. Alternatively, if overall benefits of continued use outweigh the risks, and there are no suitable alternatives available to the applicant, continued use can also be authorised.
With Chemical Safety Report, Analysis of Alternatives and Socio-Economic Analysis as key elements, the authorization application is a new and highly complex dossier, which will be checked thoroughly by ECHA and its scientific Committees, while the final decision on granting an authorization is taken by the European Commission.
REACHLaw provides all necessary services for the companies pursuing authorization or exemption from it.