Reach (registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals) is a regulation of the European Union, adopted to improve the protection of human health and the environment from risks posed by chemicals, while enhancing the competitiveness of the EU chemicals industry.

In principle, Reach applies to all chemical substances – not only those used in industrial processes but also the ones in our day-to-day lives, such as cleaning products, paints, clothing items, furniture and electrical appliances. Therefore, the regulation has an impact on most companies across the EU.

To comply with the regulation, companies must identify and manage the risks linked to the substances they manufacture and market in the EU. They have to demonstrate how the substance can be safely used, and they must communicate the risk management measures to the users. This is done through registration of the substance with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)

The Reach Regulation has set a Reach registration deadline – May 31 – beyond which substances manufactured or imported from outside the EU above one tonne cannot be placed on the market unless they have been registered first with ECHA.

This deadline is now exceeded, meaning that from now on, chemicals manufactured or imported from outside the EU of one tonne or more should be registered according to the Reach regulation before being placed on the EU market.

For more information, contact the MCCAA on info@mccaa.org.mt or call 2395 2000.

Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority
Office for Consumer Affairs
Mizzi House,
National Road,
Blata l-Bajda
HMR 9010

Freephone: 8007 4400
Tel: 2395 2000
Enquiries: info@mccaa.org.mt
Consumer complaints: fair.trading@mccaa.org.mt
Website: www.mccaa.org.mt

MCCAA office hours for the public:
Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 12.30pm

European Consumer Centre Malta
(For complaints against traders in other EU states)

47A, South Street,
Valletta.
VLT 1101

Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 3pm.

Tel: 2122 1901
E-mail: ecc.malta@gov.mt