REACH - Registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals

UK Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (UK REACH) is the United Kingdom’s independent chemicals regulatory framework. It came into force on 1 January 2021 and applies in Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales).

UK REACH applies to Northern Ireland businesses if you export substances into GB. Read more about UK REACH and Qualifying Northern Ireland Goods from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE).

Information on chemicals under UK REACH

You can read more about UK REACH and your role and responsibilities from HSE.

You should regularly check the following annexes and lists to stay informed on chemicals that are relevant to you. Some chemicals may be restricted for use or can only be used or placed on the market if an authorisation is granted.

Authorisations

• Substances recommended for inclusion in REACH UK Authorisation List (Annex 14)
• UK REACH Authorisation List (Annex 14)

Restrictions

• List of restrictions and Registry of restriction intentions

UK REACH Calls for Evidence and Consultations

HSE regularly organises consultations to obtain feedback and gather scientific information for the regulatory processes. You can contribute to these consultations on HSE’s Citizen Space.

The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) is the UK policy lead for UK REACH and consults interested stakeholders - find consultations that may interest you on Defra’s Citizen Space.

Keep up to date with UK REACH 

You can find news about UK REACH, such as updates on consultations, new restrictions, authorisations and process development, and additions to the candidate list of substances of very high concern (SVHC), by registering for HSE eBulletins.

You can also sign up for email alerts on government activity on chemicals in the following areas:

• news and communications
• guidance and regulation
• policy paper and consultations

Northern Ireland Chemical Stakeholder Forum

Planning has started on setting up a Northern Ireland Chemical Stakeholder Forum. If you would be interested in participating in the forum, register your interest by emailing chemicals.team@economy-ni.gov.uk.

If you would like to be involved in discussions around UK REACH, you can request to join the UK Chemicals Stakeholder Forum.

Further support for UK REACH

If you have any queries relating to UK REACH, contact the helpdesk by email at ukreach.clp@hse.gov.uk.

For general enquiries relating to UK REACH and UK REACH-IT, contact the UK Chemicals Helpline on Tel. 0330 159 1985. Opening hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

HSE has a role in UK REACH enforcement. If you have any queries on compliance, send an email to CRDEnforcement@hse.gov.uk.

If you need further assistance or have any queries on the guidance on this page, contact the Department for the Economy Chemicals Team at chemicals.team@economy-ni.gov.uk.