REACH and GHS – what is at stake for ArcelorMittal?
Two new chemical regulations, REACH and GHS, will enter into force in 2008, to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the harmful effects of chemicals.
REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals) applies to manufacturers and importers of substances placed on the European market above 1 ton per year.
The GHS (Globally Harmonized System of Classification, Labelling and designing of Safety Data Sheets of Chemicals) will apply worldwide. The GHS is included into REACH. Under these regulations the burden of the “no risk” proof is now for the producers and importers of chemicals.
The challenges for ArcelorMittal are to ensure the relevancy and consistency of the toxicological and ecotoxicological data provided to the European Chemicals Agency as well as to comply with the huge compulsory registration process, which will induce high registration fees and testing costs. Since June an Implementation Platform and the ArcelorMittal REACH & GHS Implementation Task Force have been set up.
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