The Enforcement Forum of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is to focus on the import of substances, mixtures and articles in its next EU-wide REACH enforcement project.  As part of the project, ECHA will investigate how companies fulfil the registration, authorization and restriction obligations for products and chemicals they import from outside the EU The project will be done in 2023-2025 and will require close cooperation between REACH enforcement and national customs authorities in the Member States.

On 16 November 2022 during the Enforcement Forum, Member States authorities responsible for harmonizing the enforcement of EU chemicals legislation, agreed to focus its next project on the control of imports of substances, mixtures, and articles.

The investigation was triggered by high levels of non-compliance in imported goods detected in previous Forum projects, including a recent pilot project where 23% of inspected products were found to be non-compliant with requirements in the EU and further controls are necessary.

Control of imports at the point of entry is the most effective means of checking and identifying non-compliant substances, mixtures and articles. The project will also work on further development and strengthening existing cooperation between REACH inspectors and customs. By strengthening the control of imports, the project will also contribute to the goals of the EU’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability.

The Forum also agreed to publish its future advice on enforceability of new restriction proposals under REACH.

SGS offers a comprehensive suite of services to help our customers comply with their obligations under REACH, from initial REACH registration to consulting, testing, auditing and verification services to support ongoing compliance.

For more information, please contact our Customer Service team.