ECHA targets imports for next REACH enforcement project

Helsinki – The Enforcement Forum of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is to focus on the import of substances, mixtures and articles in its next EU-wide REACH enforcement project.

As part of the project, ECHA will investigate how companies fulfil the registration, authorisation and restriction obligations for products and chemicals they import from outside the EU, the agency said 16 Nov.

The investigation was triggered by “high levels of non-compliance” in imported goods detected in previous projects, including a recent pilot project, according to Helsinki-based ECHA.

The pilot study found that 23% of inspected products were non-compliant with requirements set by EU regulations, making further controls were necessary.

The project will be carried out during 2023-2025 and will require "close cooperation" between REACH enforcement and national customs authorities in the member states.

“Control of imports at the point of entry is the most effective means of checking that non-compliant substances, mixtures and articles do not enter the European market,” said the ECHA announcement.

European industries, including the tire & rubber sector, have long complained about a lack of regulatory enforcement allowing non-compliant imports to the region – particularly given the high cost of meeting the requirements of REACH and other EU regulations.