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REACH Exemptions

Some substances are completely excluded from REACH regulation such as radio-active substances. While other substances are partially exempted from REACH. For example, starch and polymers are exempted from registration, but they may be subject to other obligations under REACH.

Substances Completely Excluded from REACH

  • Radio-active substances;
  • Substances under customs supervision;
  • Substances used in the interest of defence and covered by National exemptions;
  • Waste;
  • Non isolated intermediates and transported substance;

Substances Exempted from REACH Registration

  • Substances used in food stuffs;
  • Medicinal products;
  • Substances included in Annex IV of the REACH Regulation (68 substances known to be safe such as Nitrogen, Corn Oil);
  • Substances covered by Annex V of the REACH Regulation. For example, by-products, hydrates.
  • Substances which occur in nature, if they are not chemically modified. Minerals, ores, ore concentrates, cement clinker, natural gas, liquefied petroleum gas, natural gas condensate, process gases and components thereof, crude oil, coal, coke;
  • Substances occurring in nature other than those listed under paragraph 7, if they are not chemically modified, unless they meet the criteria for classification as dangerous according to Directive 67/548/EEC. Examples include beewax and some fibres;
  • Polymers (however, monomer shall be registered); More info about how polymers are regulated in EU and other countries, please click here.
  • Recycled or recovered substance already registered;
  • Re-imported substance;
  • Substances used for the purposes of product and process oriented research and development (PPORD). Note: PPORD notification shall be submitted instead.

Substances Regarded as Registered

  • Active substances for use in biocides;
  • Active substances for use in plant protection products;
  • Notified substances according to Directive 67/548/EEC.

Note: Chemicals used in cosmetics are not exempted from REACH at all.

About the Expert

Louise Halpin, Operations Manager, service@cirs-reach.com

Expertise: REACH only representative, REACH registration dossier preparation (IUCLID 5), REACH SDS, chemical classification and labelling in according to CLP, C&L notification, GHS.

Louise Halpin graduated from Trinity College Dublin with an honors degree in medicinal chemistry. Prior to joining CIRS, she was a regulatory affairs consultant for an international consultancy company. She was responsible for preparing relevant dossiers for submission to the EU, under Directives 91/414/EEC and 98/8/EEC. As the chief Environmental fate specialist, her work focused on conducting various environmental risk assessments, liaising with clients regarding the product under which registration was sought, liaising with relevant personnel within regulatory bodies in the EU member states and attending meetings in the Irish Department of Agriculture.

We offer free consultation services on cost estimation. If you would like to find out how much it might cost to register your substances, please consult:

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    Tel : +353 41 9806 916 | Fax : +353 41 9806 999
    Email: service@cirs-reach.com
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    Tel: +86-571 8720 6555 | Fax: +86-571 8720 6533
    Email: info@cirs-reach.com