Sri Lankan businesses exporting to the European Union (EU) have been urged to look out for possible impacts of a new EU regulation on the use of chemicals. A new EU law, called the Regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), came into force on June 1, 2008. Although the REACH regulations are directed at EU businesses, it is also expected to impact businesses in countries like Sri Lanka.

“REACH regulations will impact non-EU exporters because EU importers will expect their suppliers in countries like Sri Lanka to also comply with it,” said Shisher Kumra from the International Council of Swedish Industry, speaking at a seminar on the REACH regulations, organised by the European Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka.

Under the regulation, substances that fall within the scope of REACH must be registered with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). These include chemical substances on their own, chemicals used in preparations, and chemicals that are intentionally released from products. However, the regulation applies to substances that are designated as toxic and to chemicals imported into the EU in annual quantities of one tonne or more, per company.

“This means, the chemical component in the product imported into the EU by each company, over a period of one year, must be over one tonne. In the case of fabrics, the chemical must account for over 1% of the product, weight-on-weight,” said Dr. Rashmi Naidu from the Network for Preventive Environmental Management, India.

“Businesses in Sri Lanka that may be affected by REACH, are textiles and garments that release chemicals such as dyes, during the first wash and industries using chemicals and heavy metals such as automobile parts and writing instruments,” said Dr Naidu. Companies are expected to pre-register with the ECHA within the year.

“The first phase of REACH is the pre-registration. The pre-registration period is from June 2008 to December 2008. After that, there is a registration period,” said Dr Naidu. Companies that are not established in the EU cannot directly pre-register and register with the ECHA. However, a non-EU manufacturer that is impacted by REACH, can appoint an ‘Only Representative’ to handle pre-registration and registration on its behalf.