The import of goods from China has experienced significant growth in recent years, with the volume of goods covering a wide range of sectors. However, the import process is not just about logistics and transport of goods. Importing companies must comply with strict regulations to ensure that products coming into the European Union are safe for human health and the environment. Among these regulations, the REACH Regulation is one of the most relevant.
In this article, we will discuss what the REACH Regulation entails, its impact on the import of products from China, and how to make sure you comply with its requirements to avoid risks and penalties.
What is REACH?
The REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) Regulation is European Union legislation that regulates chemicals used in products sold within the EU. Its main objective is to protect human health and the environment by requiring companies to register, evaluate and, in some cases, authorise chemicals used in their products. The regulation, which came into force in 2007, affects all companies that manufacture, import or place products on the European market, including those from outside the EU, such as China.
How does REACH affect importers from China?
When a company imports products from China, one of the most important aspects to consider is compliance with European regulations, including REACH. In many cases, for example in the import of cosmetics, products contain chemicals that must be registered and evaluated according to this regulation.
For importers, this means that they must ensure that the products they bring in meet the following conditions:
Registration of chemical substances: If a product contains chemical substances, importers must ensure that these substances are properly registered with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). This registration involves providing detailed information on the properties and risks of the substances so that they can be properly assessed.
Substance evaluation: Once chemicals have been registered, they must be assessed to determine whether they pose risks to human health or the environment. Hazardous substances may be subject to restrictions or bans.
Authorisation and restriction: Some chemicals, which present a significant risk, may require special authorisation for use or placing on the EU market. In addition, there are restrictions on their use in certain products, which means that importers must ensure that the products they import do not contain banned or restricted substances.
Safety data sheets: Importers must ensure that Chinese suppliers provide detailed safety data sheets for all chemicals present in products. These data sheets should include information on hazards, safety measures and proper handling procedures.
The importance of compliance
REACH compliance is essential to avoid penalties and legal problems. EU authorities carry out inspections and audits to verify that imported products comply with the regulation, and companies that do not comply can face serious consequences, such as:
– Financial penalties: fines for non-compliance with REACH can be substantial, affecting the company’s profitability.
– Product recalls: If a product does not comply with REACH, it may be withdrawn from the market, leading to both financial and reputational losses.
– Supply chain disruption: Companies that do not comply with REACH requirements could see their supply chain disrupted due to lack of authorisation or registration of substances.
REACH and ROHS: important connection
It is important to mention that while REACH focuses on the regulation of chemicals, there are also other regulations that address issues related to the safety of imported products. One example is ROHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances), which regulates the use of hazardous materials in electrical and electronic equipment. While we will not go into the details of ROHS in this article, it is important to note that the two regulations may overlap for certain products, making it necessary for importing companies to comply with a broader set of regulations. We have already discussed ROHS in previous articles, and it is important to note that both REACH and ROHS regulations work together to ensure that imported products are safe and meet European standards.
How to ensure REACH compliance when importing from China?
For importers bringing products from China, ensuring REACH compliance may seem challenging. However, there are a number of practical steps that can be taken to ensure that products comply with European regulations:
Working with reliable suppliers.
It is essential to work with Chinese suppliers who have experience in complying with international regulations, including REACH requirements. These suppliers should be willing to provide all necessary documentation, such as product data sheets and information on the chemicals present in the products.
Review of chemicals
Importers should carry out a detailed review of the chemicals contained in the products and verify that they are registered with ECHA. In case of doubt, it is advisable to contact consultants specialised in import regulations.
Training and expert advice
Investing in training and having specialised legal or consultancy advice is a key strategy to ensure compliance. Sourcing companies such as S³ Group can be a strategic ally in this process, helping to manage compliance and minimise risks.