ECHA publishes new concise guidance

06-26-2009: The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has launched a new series of shortened versions of the REACH Guidance Documents and Fact Sheet on the inclusion of substances in the List of Substances Subject to Authorisation.

The first two Guidance in a Nutshell publications: Requirement for Substances in Articles and Registration Data and Dossier Handling are now available on the Guidance web site. The Guidance in a Nutshell on requirements for substances in articles aims to explain in simple terms the main elements of ECHA’s guidance. The summary is designed to assist companies producing, importing and/or supplying articles in the European Union (EU) and in Liechtenstein, Iceland and Norway. It clarifies the obligations companies have under REACH in relation to substances in articles. It also helps them make the right decisions to ensure that they comply with the REACH legislation. This document is also relevant to exporters outside the EU. It will help them to understand the requirements for substances in articles their importers have to fulfil.

The purpose of the Guidance in a Nutshell on registration data and dossier handling is to give a simple and concise introduction to the information content of registration dossiers for chemical substances under REACH. In particular it focuses on the information requirements, i.e. the data on physicochemical, toxicological and ecotoxicological properties, and to the chemical safety assessment. In addition, practical guidance is provided on how to prepare and submit a registration dossier. Finally, essential follow-up activities required by ECHA and the registrants upon registration submission are outlined.

ECHA has also published a Guidance Fact Sheet on the inclusion of substances in Annex XIV (List of Substances Subject to Authorisation). The Fact Sheet summarises the key aspects of the respective REACH Guidance Document which provides an overview of the various steps from the identification of Substances of Very High Concern to their inclusion in the Candidate List and further to their eventual inclusion in the Authorisation List.