Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)
An EU regulation governing the use of chemical substances in products sold in Europe. REACH applies to all physical products (not just electronics) and restricts over 200 Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs).
REACH (EC 1907/2006) is the European Union's comprehensive chemical regulation framework. Unlike RoHS, which targets specific substances in electronics, REACH applies to virtually all products sold in the EU and covers a much broader range of chemicals. The regulation requires manufacturers and importers to identify and manage risks linked to chemicals used in their products, and to provide safety information to users.
The key concept in REACH is the "Candidate List" of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs), which is updated twice a year and currently contains over 200 substances. If any SVHC is present in your product above 0.1% by weight, you must notify the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and inform your customers. Some SVHCs are further added to the "Authorization List," meaning they cannot be used without specific authorization from ECHA.
For DTC founders, REACH compliance requires understanding the chemical composition of every material in your product. This is managed through your supply chain: you request REACH compliance declarations from your material suppliers and manufacturers, who should be able to confirm that their materials do not contain restricted SVHCs above threshold levels. Third-party testing through labs like SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Intertek can verify compliance if supplier declarations are insufficient.
Why it matters
REACH applies to ALL products sold in the EU, not just chemicals or electronics. Ask your supplier for a REACH SVHC declaration. If they are unfamiliar with REACH, it is a red flag about their export experience.
Practical Tip
REACH applies to ALL products sold in the EU, not just chemicals or electronics. Ask your supplier for a REACH SVHC declaration. If they are unfamiliar with REACH, it is a red flag about their export experience.
You'll hear this when…
When setting requirements
“"Our spec sheet references the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) threshold — all units must meet or exceed this before shipment."”
When reviewing an inspection report
“"The third-party inspector flagged two units that failed the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) check."”
When negotiating with a supplier
“"What is your factory's standard Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) rejection rate, and how do you handle non-conforming units?"”
Related Terms
Restriction of Hazardous Substances
RoHSAn EU directive restricting the use of specific hazardous materials (lead, mercury, cadmium, etc.) in electrical and electronic equipment. RoHS compliance is required for selling electronics in the EU and is widely adopted globally.
CE Marking
CEA mandatory conformity marking for products sold in the European Economic Area (EEA), indicating compliance with EU health, safety, and environmental protection legislation. Required for electronics, toys, machinery, medical devices, and many other product categories.
Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act
CPSIAUS federal law establishing safety standards for consumer products, with especially strict requirements for children's products including lead limits, phthalate restrictions, and mandatory third-party testing.
FDA Compliance
Meeting the requirements of the US Food and Drug Administration for products under its jurisdiction, including food-contact materials, cosmetics, dietary supplements, medical devices, and pharmaceutical products.
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