​​REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals and is European Legislation No. 1907 / 2006, which was officially approved on 1st of June 2007, replacing several associated European directives and regulations. Although targeting manufacturers and importers from the European community it is already having worldwide implications.

​​One of the fundamental changes brought by REACH is the change of responsibility from public authorities to industry in demonstrating the safe manufacture and use of chemicals. It requires that all chemical substances, on their own or present in preparations and articles be registered, and necessitates the sharing of information across the entire value chain.