Cefic announces plans to set up ReachCentrum to facilitate
implementation of REACH for companies
Frankfurt, 17 May 2006 The new EU chemicals legislation, REACH, will enter into force in mid-2007. Companies will have to start preparing urgently to be ready for the implementation of the new policy. Cefic is establishing ReachCentrum, an independent service unit to help companies all through the value chain initially with preparation and then with implementation
of REACH.
The legislative process on REACH is approaching its final stages. All stakeholders must be ready for REACH by mid-2007, which leaves them a year to prepare for implementation. REACH will be a major effort for companies over the next 10-15 years, as at least 30.000 substances will be registered, and a proportion of those will be taken through the evaluation and authorisation steps. It is important that REACH delivers effectively to rebuild confidence in the safe use of chemicals.
ReachCentrum is the new professional services body established by Cefic, the European Chemical Industry Council, which has been designed to help companies all through the value chain to fulfill the REACH requirements. It will be part of an integrated and consistent service provided by Cefic,
national associations and Member State authorities. "Over five years of experience in developing workable REACH legislation, as well as its major role in the REACH Implementation Projects under the European Commission have given Cefic unique expertise on REACH. Cefic is now turning this
expertise into practical help to companies", said Alain Perroy, Director General of Cefic, today at a press conference.
The offering of the ReachCentrum will include:
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Help desk advice and guidance on how to meet the requirements of the legislation
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Consortia management including Chinese walls facility to preserve confidentiality
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Registration service to handle submission of dossiers to authorities on behalf of individual companies or consortia
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Submission of applications for authorisation on behalf of individual companies or consortia
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Archiving and management of applications for registration and access to consortia data
A clear distinction will be made between regular trade association offering (covered by the regular Cefic membership fee), and tailor-made services to companies or a group of companies (which will be invoiced separately). Potential customers go beyond the Cefic membership to include companies
throughout the value chain, as well as non-EU chemical manufacturers.
ReachCentrum will be formally launched on 14 June at ChemSpec Europe exhibition in Geneva. In the first few months ReachCentrum will concentrate on help desk services but will add to the range of services provided and broaden the market focus as the real start date for the legislation approaches.
The Cefic team will work closely with the Commission and the competent authorities to ensure that the systems and tools we develop are entirely compatible with and meet the needs of the regulatory authorities.
For more information:
Judith Hackitt +3226767375 jha@cefic.be
Thomas Jostmann +3226767452 tjo@cefic.be
Jean-Pierre Soufflet +32477971164 jps@cefic.be
Annemaria Ojanper +3226767378 aoj@cefic.be
Bron : Cefic