Smaller companies could struggle with REACH compliance
ReFaC warns lack of resources in small businesses will threaten ability to meet deadlines
The absence of technical resources is threatening REACH compliance in small companies, according to REACH facilitation company ReFaC. While the first REACH deadline, on 30 November, will involve 4% of the commercial chemical inventory and concerns higher volume chemical substances and toxic agents, later deadlines that apply to lower tonnage substances will affect smaller companies to a greater extent.
“At ground level, many smaller firms are finding REACH a real challenge. Compliance with such a complex regulatory regime requires a level of technical resource that many smaller firms just do not possess,” commented ReFaC’s development manager, Darren Staniforth. “There is also the added concern that many smaller companies are assuming that another element of the supply chain will deal with REACH compliance on their behalf.”
Staniforth adds: “Many companies are unaware that it can often take up to two years to compile a full registration dossier from scratch – depending on a company’s position in the chemical supply chain. This means that for substances affected by the 2013 REACH deadline companies should now be seeking specialist help.”