[Home](/)/[Resources](/resources)/UK REACH Chemicals UK REACHChemicals # UK REACH: Chemicals Regulation Compliance Guide UK REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) is the regulatory framework for managing chemical risks in Great Britain. The regulations require registration of substances, communication of hazards, and compliance with restrictions and authorisation requirements. Copy Link[Share on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/?text=https%3A%2F%2Fkrono-labs.com%2Fguides%2Fuk-reach-chemicals) ## Who UK REACH applies to ### Manufacturers and importers of substances Register substances manufactured or imported at ≥1 tonne/year. Comply with restrictions and authorisation requirements. ### Downstream users Follow registration conditions, comply with restrictions, report new information on hazards. May need to register if making specific uses. ### Distributors Communicate safety information through the supply chain, ensure proper labeling, comply with restrictions. ### Producers and importers of articles Notify/communicate SVHCs >0.1% w/w in articles. Apply for authorisation if SVHC is used intentionally. Comply with restrictions. ## Substance restrictions examples Cadmium and compoundsRestricted in plastics, paints, brazing fillers Lead and compoundsRestricted in jewelry, PVC, paints MercuryBanned in most measuring devices, restricted in other uses Chromium VI compoundsRestricted in cement, leather, specific uses Certain phthalatesRestricted in toys and childcare articles, DEHP in all articles PFOSSubstantially restricted across most uses Note: This is a sample of restricted substances. Always consult the full UK REACH restrictions list for current requirements. ## Registration requirements Registration applies to substances manufactured or imported into Great Britain at or above 1 tonne per year. The registration dossier includes information on substance properties, uses, classification and labeling, and guidance on safe use. For Northern Ireland, EU REACH continues to apply. Substances placed on the Northern Ireland market follow EU REACH requirements and EU-registered substances are recognized. Registration deadlines vary based on tonnage band and hazard classification. Higher tonnage and more hazardous substances generally have earlier deadlines. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) administers UK REACH registrations. ## Supply chain communication A key UK REACH obligation is communication through the supply chain. Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be provided for hazardous substances and mixtures. For articles containing SVHCs above 0.1% w/w, information must be provided to customers and upon request to consumers. Communication includes information on substance identity, hazards, safe handling, and any restrictions or authorisation requirements. This enables downstream users to manage risks and comply with their own REACH obligations. ## Learn this properly, not just for one product In-depth courses and books that teach the process — not a one-off answer you'll need to look up again next time. [Start the course — $149](/courses/15-uk-reach-rohs-chemical-compliance-post-brexit)See your free roadmap [Prefer to read? Get the book — $24.99](/books/15-uk-reach-rohs-chemical-compliance-post-brexit) ## Frequently asked questions ### What is the difference between EU REACH and UK REACH? UK REACH is a separate but similar chemicals regulatory framework for Great Britain. It maintains the core principles of EU REACH (registration, evaluation, authorisation, restriction) but operates independently with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as the agency. Northern Ireland continues to follow EU REACH under the Protocol. ### Do I need to register substances under UK REACH? If you manufacture or import substances into Great Britain at ≥1 tonne per year, you generally need to register with HSE. Grandfathering from EU REACH registrations was available for existing registrations, but new substances require full registration dossiers. ### What are SVHCs and what are my obligations? Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) are chemicals with serious health or environmental impacts. If your article contains an SVHC >0.1% w/w, you must communicate this to customers and consumers upon request. If the SVHC is used intentionally, notification to HSE may be required. 🇬🇧 UK roadmap for your product Every standard, document, and test that applies — free, no account required. See your free roadmap[ Want an expert to take your product through 🇬🇧 UK compliance for you? One consultant from Krono's compliance team takes your product from requirements to legal sale, with a fixed quote before any work starts. See compliance services](/services) Learn this properly In-depth course that teaches the full process, not just this one answer. [Start the course — $149](/courses/15-uk-reach-rohs-chemical-compliance-post-brexit)[Prefer to read? Get the book — $24.99](/books/15-uk-reach-rohs-chemical-compliance-post-brexit) Related guides * [UKCA Marking OverviewComplete guide to UKCA marking for the Great Britain market: requirements, timeline, costs, GB vs NI differences, and how to tr…](/guides/ukca-marking) * [UK RoHS ComplianceComplete guide to UK RoHS regulations: restricted substances, exemptions, compliance documentation, and UKCA marking requiremen…](/guides/uk-rohs-compliance) * [UK Cosmetics RegulationsComplete guide to UK cosmetics regulations: product safety assessment, labeling requirements, Responsible Person appointment, a…](/guides/uk-cosmetics-regulations) * [UK Restricted Substances Chemical TestingChemical substance testing for UK market compliance: UK RoHS restricted substances, UK REACH candidate list duties, toy chemical requirements under BS EN 71-3, and how to commission and read test reports from UKAS-accredited laboratories.](/guides/uk-restricted-substances-chemical-testing) Educational resource only. UK REACH is complex and regularly updated. Consider professional guidance for substance registration and compliance.