EU Reach & Other Chemical regulations

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EU Reach & Other Chemical regulations

Continuous Filament Glass Fibre products are Articles
according to international Chemical Regulations

In brief

Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). The purpose of this Regulation is to ensure a high level of protection of human health and the environment, including the promotion of alternative methods for assessment of hazards of substances, as well as the free circulation of substances on the internal market while enhancing competitiveness and innovation.

Why is it important

The glass fibre industry is a downstream user of chemicals: mineral raw materials for manufacturing glass (glass melting process) and organic raw materials for glass fibre “sizing” (glass fibre surface treatment enhancing the adhesion of glass to various polymers). European glass fibre manufacturers are committed to use chemicals in compliance with applicable regulatory requirements.

Key facts

– Continuous filament glass fibre products are Articles according to EU REACH definition Art.3.3 (and other international chemical regulations)
– Articles are exempt from registration obligations – REACH Art.6.
– Articles are not subject to Safety Data Sheet requirement (REACH Art. 31)
– Nevertheless, European manufacturers provide documentation to their customers to assure the safe use and handling of glass fibre products
– Articles are subject to communication of “SVHC” if present in concentration above 0.1% (w/w) – EU REACH Art.33)
– Articles are not subject to classification and labelling according to GHS and related implementing regulations (EU CLP – REG. (EC) No 1272/2008)

Supporting documents