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The Commission of the European Union (EU) has issued an updated list of standards...

The European Union (EU) Parliament has formally adopted a resolution calling on the EU...

The Commission of the European Union (EU) has released statistics for April 2010 on...

The Commission of the European Union (EU) has published an updated list of standards...

The Commission of the European Union (EU) has published an updated list of standards...

The Commission of the European Union (EU) has published an updated list of standards...

The Commission of the European Union (EU) has published an updated list of standards...

The REACH Era
The regulation referred to as REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals), came into effect in European Union Member States in June of 2007. The intent of REACH is to regulate chemicals that can cause cancer and other diseases.

REACH applies to thousands of chemicals (substances) that are used or present in electrical equipment. REACH also applies to mixtures or solutions of substances (preparations), and end products (articles). Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs), are the most hazardous and harmful substances and are highly regulated. Products containing SVHCs may not receive authorization if a safer alternative exists.

REACH affects all organizations that export, manufacture, or use chemicals. Early planning and good communications are urgently needed to avoid disruptions in the supply chain. Parts and equipment manufacturers will be affected by unexpected withdrawal of substances from their suppliers due to REACH.

 

A closer look at post-market compliance is an evolving trend across many economies. Discussions in the European Union, North America, and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) continue to focus on post-market surveillance and enforcement. One area of scrutiny, particularly in Europe, is device labeling.