Pillars of European chemicals legislation

Abstract : This article examines key European regulations concerning hazardous substances. To this end, the relevant provisions were analyzed and their requirements identified. The REACH and CLP regulations form the basis for the registration, classification, labeling, and handling of chemicals and chemical products within European Union member states. They are supplemented by other EU regulations addressing particularly hazardous chemicals, covering areas such as import and export (PIC Regulation) as well as manufacture and storage (Seveso III Directive). Furthermore, regulations concerning specific product groups—such as biocides, pesticides, persistent organic pollutants, and detergents—are discussed. The regulations clearly indicate that both individual chemicals and mixtures may be subject to registration and/or notification obligations.