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SMT & Inspection |

Electrolube's way to REACH compliance

Electrolube, a division of H K Wentworth, is a manufacturer of electro-chemicals for electronics and industrial manufacturing. Electrolube’s products are widely used for the manufacture and maintenance of electrical and electronic components worldwide. Recently, the level of support Electrolube provides for its customers has expanded, encompassing REACH.

Electrolube has described the way to REACH-compliance: REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals) is a new EU wide regulation that affects all areas of the chemical industry. Manufacturers, importers, distributors, downstream and end users alike all need to be aware of their involvement with the regulation. Although REACH is complex, replacing approximately 40 pieces of legislation, the main aims are clear; to improve protection and awareness regarding the risks of chemicals to human health and the environment whilst enhancing the development of the EU chemicals industry.   Unlike previous directives and regulations, within REACH the burden of responsibility for proving that a substance is safe for the specified uses has been assigned to industry rather than authorities. A registration to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is required for any chemical substance that is brought into the EU in quantities greater than 1 metric tonne per company, per year. This applies to individual chemical substances, chemical substances used to produce a preparation or blend (i.e. a final product) and substances that are intentionally released from articles. The registration will include test data to show the effect of use of the substance on human health and the environment.   A phase-in period of 11 years, starting in 2007, has been assigned to allow gradual implementation of the regulation.   For companies that import chemicals into Europe or manufacture substances, the REACH registration process involves: · Determining the chemical identity of each substance brought into Europe. · Calculating the quantity of these imported/manufactured per year. · Determining if any of these are exempt from the regulation, for example if they are natural materials. · Pre-registering the substances within the allocated period between June and November 2008. · Communicating down the supply chain to determine the downstream uses of each substances being registered. · Preparing the registration of each of these substances by sharing test data with other registrants, and where necessary to agree classifications. · Submitting registrations by the appropriate deadline.   Where there is more than one company registering the exact same substance a joint registration will be submitted, if possible, to minimise costs associated and hence keep the chemical marketplace competitive. The registration deadlines will depend on the quantity of substance used by the importer/manufacturer and the risks posed to human health and the environment. Substances of very high concern (SVHCs), such as those that are carcinogenic or bio-accumulative, will be identified during the process and their use restricted. Identified SVHCs will be prioritised within REACH and the registration deadlines will be earlier than for other less harmful substances.   For downstream users, who purchase the chemicals they use from within Europe, the process is much simpler. They should gain assurance of REACH compliance from their direct suppliers and ensure that the suppliers are aware of how the chemical is used. This information will be used to determine what testing is required for the registration and hence establish if the chemical substance is safe for the use. It will also allow the importer or manufacturer of the substance to then provide relevant information on safe handling procedures. Previous legislation in Europe has required chemical suppliers to provide health and safety information of the chemicals or preparations without consideration of the final use, thus presenting many irrelevant potential hazards to the user.   Although guidelines have been provided for the phase-in period, there still appears to be some confusion within the supply chain as to what is actually required in order to be REACH compliant. Many downstream users are requesting information such as pre-registration reference numbers from their suppliers, as confirmation that the chemicals they use are compliant. Although willingness to pass such information down the supply chain may be used as a marketing tool, it may also lead to the disclosure of commercially sensitive information such as formulation details of preparations. As there is no obligation for registrants to notify downstream users of such details, in reality it is often withheld by at least one member of the supply chain and hence only a general compliance statement reaches downstream users.   Electrolube, like many other suppliers, have set up a dedicated email address to ensure that all REACH related correspondence are directed immediately to the appropriate team of people. The team are actively involved in communications both up and down the supply chain and are therefore aware of the latest registration status for each material. The supply and manufacture of products spreads beyond the EU, making Electrolube and similar companies alike, both manufacturers and importers. The REACH correspondence team is therefore vital to ensure a successful registration process and in turn avoiding any delay or discontinuation of supply to customers worldwide.   In summary, the process of registration, evaluation and authorisation of chemicals may seem somewhat cumbersome but it portrays that an increased level of knowledge will be achieved by its implementation. With environmental concerns at an all time high, it is to be expected that the chemical industry must also adapt to ‘greener’ times and as such the development and evolution of the European chemicals industry has begun.   Authors: Jade Bridges, R&D Manager; Amanda Stuart, Development Chemist

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March 28 2024 10:16 am V22.4.20-1
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