Preparing for REACH

REACH Implementation Projects (RIPS)

To enable a smooth transition from the existing chemicals legislation to REACH, the Commission has developed within an interim strategy a number of REACH Implementation Projects (RIPs) to ensure that all stakeholders, especially industry and public authorities, are adequately prepared for the practical application of the new system.

These Implementation Projects foresee the development of guidance documents and IT-tools for the European Chemicals Agency, for industry and the authorities of the Member States including 5 central areas:

RIP 1 – REACH Process description

RIP 2– REACH-IT: Development of the IT system to support the REACH implementation

RIP 3 – Guidance Documents: Development of guidance documents for industry

RIP 4 - Guidance Documents: Development of guidance documents for authorities

RIP 5/6 - Setting up the Agency

The European Chemicals Bureau (ECB) in Ispra has been given the responsibility to develop those tools and methodologies as it has the main practical experience from administering the practical implementation of the pre-REACH chemicals legislation, while DG ENV and DG ENTR ensure the political and legislative compatibility. The activities are coordinated closely with the main stakeholders i.e. Member States, Industry and NGOs.

In order to gain practical experience stakeholders were encouraged to co-operate in trying out aspects of the new system in so-called Strategic Partnerships.

For further details please visit the website of the European Chemicals Bureau or access the available guidance documents on the website of the European Chemicals Agency.