The EU REACH regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) is the cornerstone of chemical safety legislation in Europe. For B2B chemical buyers, understanding REACH is not optional — it directly impacts purchasing decisions, supplier selection, and market access across all 27 EU member states.
What Is REACH and Why Does It Matter?
REACH entered into force in 2007 and is managed by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). It places the burden of proof on companies to demonstrate that the chemicals they manufacture, import, or sell are safe for human health and the environment. The regulation applies to all chemical substances — not just new ones — and affects manufacturers, importers, downstream users, and distributors.
For buyers, REACH compliance means you must verify that your suppliers have properly registered their substances, provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and communicate information about substances of very high concern (SVHCs) throughout the supply chain.
Key REACH Obligations for Chemical Buyers
- Verify supplier registration: Ensure all chemicals purchased above 1 tonne/year are registered with ECHA
- Request extended SDS: Obtain Safety Data Sheets with exposure scenarios for all hazardous substances
- SVHC monitoring: Track the Candidate List for Substances of Very High Concern (updated twice yearly)
- Authorization checks: Confirm that substances requiring authorization have valid approvals for your intended use
- Restriction compliance: Verify no purchased substances violate Annex XVII restrictions for your application
How to Verify Your Supplier's REACH Status
The most reliable way to verify compliance is to request the REACH registration number directly from your supplier. This 18-digit number can be cross-referenced on the ECHA database. At SoleChem, every product in our catalog includes REACH compliance status, and our team provides documentation upon request.
Common REACH Pitfalls for Buyers
- Assuming your supplier handles everything — downstream users have their own obligations
- Ignoring SVHC updates — the Candidate List is updated in January and July each year
- Not checking restriction conditions — some substances are only restricted for specific uses
- Overlooking imported articles — REACH applies to substances in articles above 0.1% w/w
REACH compliance is a shared responsibility across the entire supply chain. Choosing a supplier who proactively manages compliance significantly reduces your regulatory risk.
How SoleChem Supports Your REACH Compliance
As a REACH-compliant global distributor, SoleChem provides full regulatory documentation for every product we supply. Our technical team monitors SVHC updates, maintains current Safety Data Sheets, and offers compliance consultations to help buyers navigate the complexities of European chemical regulation. Whether you are importing into the EU for the first time or optimizing an existing supply chain, we serve as your compliance partner.
