The use of PVC (poly vinyl chloride) in the context of a non-toxic environment final report, 2022
The report provides an overview of the current status of the production, trade consumption and end-of-life fate of PVC. In addition, the report assesses the feasibility of alternatives to PVC in selected applications, as well as a number of potential phase-out scenarios for PVC applications and their socio-economic implications.
Study on the impacts of the 2018 REACH registration deadline final report, 2021
The study assesses and, where possible, quantifies the impact on economic operators of substances registrations submitted for the 2018 registration deadline. Total costs of registration in 2018 were estimated as €1,290 million for the 10-100t range and €960 million for the 1-10t range.
Results of the study survey (covering around 5% of total registrations) suggest that the average costs of registration per substance for the 10-100t range were in reasonable agreement with those predicted, but average costs per substance for the 1-10t substances were around seven times those originally predicted.
The study also explores communication obligations in the supply chain, SIEF and consortia, resources, benefits and effects on the chemicals market.
Study to support the integration of REACH aspects into customs legislation and procedures final report, 2021
This study focuses on the enforcement of REACH in the framework of the import procedures and in particular the release for free circulation procedure. The purpose is to find means to ensure better REACH enforcement, with a particular attention to short and mid-term concrete solutions in view of future implementation.
Study dealing with substance identity in REACH, 2021
The REACH review 2013 identified the definition of substance identity and the determination of sameness of substances as one of the challenging aspects to implement the OSOR principle - 'one substance = one registration'.
The European Commission contracted a study which aimed at identifying common issues faced by registrants of substances under REACH and good practices in identification of complex substances, especially substances of unknown or variable composition, complex reaction products or biological materials (UVCBs).
The study found that over 2 400 substances (nearly a quarter of substances registered by 2013) can be considered complex when it comes to their identity and sameness. The study confirmed that substance identity remains a complex task for REACH registrants and there is a need to develop sector-specific materials through a collaborative approach to overcome these difficulties. The study develops seven factsheets to present the findings for some sectors.
The European Commission and the European Chemicals Agency will continue to design strategies to clarify and improve the reporting of the identity of substances on the basis of the findings of this study.
For more information, see the full study report. You will also find further information in the list of annexes. If preferred, you can download the report, list and annexes in one ZIP folder.
Scientific and technical support for the development of criteria to identify and group polymers for registration/evaluation under REACH and their impact assessment final report, 2020
This report proposes criteria for the identification of polymers requiring registration (PRR) under REACH. It sets out possible registration requirements and assesses costs and benefits of registering PRRs.
The evidence base was built up through a review of the literature; an online survey; in-depth interviews including with an Advisory Group; a workshop; and additional ad-hoc contributions from numerous stakeholders.
Study on the impacts of REACH authorisation, 2017
The study on the impacts of REACH authorisation aims to assess the performance of the REACH authorisation system. The study provides evidence to assess whether authorisation is working as intended and is achieving its objectives of progressive substitution of SVHCs by less hazardous alternatives and risk control.
This study includes also findings about the role of authorisation on the decisions to substitute Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs), reduce emissions to the environment and lower exposure of workers to SVHCs, as well as some insights into the costs and benefits of authorisation. The study involved:
- a review of existing literature
- surveys with industry, NGOs, the European Commission, the European Chemicals Agency and competent authorities from EU countries
- in-depth follow-up interviews with industry
- case studies on specific chemicals or issues
Impacts of REACH and corresponding legislation governing the conditions for marketing and use of chemicals in different countries/regions on international competitiveness of EU industry, 2016
The study provides a comparison between impacts of EU REACH and impacts of corresponding legislation in China, Japan, the United States, South Korea and Canada. The comparison of how the different legal requirements affect competitiveness was made for the chemicals industry as well as for 3 selected downstream sectors (the automotive, the rubber and plastics and the textile industry).
The study draws on a comprehensive comparison of differences and similarities between the legislation of the aforementioned countries. In addition, findings of a survey among business associations, companies from the EU and companies from non-EU countries were used to evaluate the different costs and benefits.
Study on the impact of REACH, 2015
The study 'Monitoring the Impact of REACH in Innovation, Competitiveness and SMEs' (6 MB) evaluates the impacts on competitiveness and innovation, the operation the single market and impacts on SMEs following the introduction of the REACH Regulation, focusing on the 2010 - 2013 period.
It contains an overall assessment of REACH Regulation in terms of effectiveness, efficiency, coherence and sustainability, identifies strengths and weaknesses of REACH implementation and provides policy recommendations.