The new REACH chemicals rules came into effect on 1 June 2007.

The Regulation and Directive were published in the Official Journal on 30 December 2006. See the following link (but beware size of the documents once you click beyond the following link):
http://eur-lex.europa.eu/JOIndex.do?year=2006&serie=L&textfield2=396&Submit=Search

The following UK MEPs spoke in the 2nd reading debate held on 11 December 2006:

• Chris Davies (Lib Dem, NW); 
• Caroline Lucas (Greens, South East); 
• Linda McAvan (Labour, Yorks & Humber); 
• John Bowis (Cons, London); 
• Bairbre de Brún (Sinn Fein, Northern Ireland);
• Godfrey Bloom (UKIP, Yorks & Humber).

Link here for the full debate and link here for a summary of the European Parliament's 2nd reading position.

REACH will apply in stages from 1 June 2007. Its implementation in the UK is being overseen by DEFRA. See
http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/chemicals/reach/pdf/reach-timetable.pdf

On 13 March 2007 DEFRA issued a public consultation with a deadline of 4 June for responses. See link for further details:
http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/consult/reach-enforce/index.htm

Last updated 23 January 2008