REACH is Real: The Proposed Reach System and its Effect on a Service Company

Abstract

TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractGuided by the white paper, "Strategy for a Future Chemical Policy, 1 in October 2003, the European Commission drafted a new regulatory framework for chemicals known as the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (REACH) policy.REACH is an integrated system that requires all substances produced or imported in quantities above one ton per year to be registered in the European Union (EU). The adoption of REACH will divert the burden of proof for putting safe chemicals on the market from the public authorities to industry.The formal REACH proposal is expected to be presented for legislation in December 2005. If adopted, an 11-year transition (phase in) period will be implemented in three stages, determined by production volume and chemical hazard. A new European Agency will act as the central point in the REACH system. This paper describes the proposed REACH system and its potential impact on an oilfield service company, both as an importer and downstream user of chemicals. The following topics will be discussed:• Effects of REACH on producers/importers • Effects of REACH on downstream users • Impact assessment of the REACH regulation on a service company as a case study