Regulatory Compliance in Chemical Industries (REACH, OSHA, etc.)

In the chemical industry, regulatory compliance is often a challenge. This is especially true for companies that have a wide range of products.

- By Editorial Team

But, due to the health risks associated with chemical products, these regulations are very strict. While some cover manufacturing processes, others control transportation and storage.

Chemical Regulatory Compliance means legal compliance with substance restrictions, enforced obsolescence, safe use of chemicals, ecodesign, responsible sourcing and supply chain management.

Manufacturers and their supply chains face ever-growing, complex and frequent changes to regulatory and end-client requirements concerning energy consumption, material choices and chemical substance use, responsible sourcing and durability/recyclability which can directly impact product design and drastically affect costs and delivery.

Chemical compliance requirements include:

•Hazardous substances (RoHS, REACH, CLP, biocides, food contact materials, batteries, POPS, California Proposition 65, TSCA, ELV)

•Ecodesign and energy labelling

•Responsible sourcing (conflict minerals)

•Material sustainability

•End-of-life (WEEE, batteries, ELV)

•International legislative requirements analogous to the above.

There's the Globally Harmonized System (or GHS), as incorporated into OSHA's 2012 revised HazCom Standard (or HCS), and the EU's Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemical Substances (or REACH) and Classification, Labeling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (or CLP) regulations.

OSHA

In the United States, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration assures safe and healthful working conditions for employees by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education, and assistance.