Student Paper: An Assessment of the Potential Impacts of the Proposed European Union Registration, Evaluation, and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH) Regulation on the Semiconductor Industry

Student Paper: An Assessment of the Potential Impacts of the Proposed European Union Registration, Evaluation, and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH) Regulation on the Semiconductor Industry
Douglas J. Moilanen; University of Wisconsin – Stout

The Council of the European Union has recently proposed legislation that will drastically change the way that chemicals are regulated in Europe. The legislation Registration, Evaluation, and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH) would require all businesses that manufacture or import a substance in a quantity greater than one metric ton register the substance. Registration would require that information be provided on the substances toxicological properties, ecotoxicological properties, and use. A future European chemicals agency would have the authority to ban or restrict the use of certain substances based on the registration materials. Although, the primary focus of the proposed regulation is on chemical manufacturers and importers, it has the potential to significantly impact downstream users of chemicals. Potential adverse impacts include increased supply chain costs, restriction of the use of essential chemicals, limitations on the confidentiality of information, and direct product regulation. Potential benefits include increased availability of chemical hazard information and a more concise regulatory framework.