What is the main purpose of the REACH regulation in the EU?

The main purpose of the REACH regulation in the European Union is to protect human and environmental health. REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals, and it represents a comprehensive framework aimed at ensuring that chemicals used within the EU do not pose risks to health or the environment.

Under REACH, companies are required to gather information on the properties and hazards of the chemicals they manufacture or import. This means that before chemicals can be used in the marketplace, they must be assessed for safety. The regulation encourages the substitution of hazardous substances with safer alternatives whenever possible, prioritizing the safety of workers, consumers, and the environment over industrial benefits. Thus, the essence of REACH lies in safeguarding public health and ecological integrity rather than merely regulating trade or promoting manufacturing.

While other options touch on aspects related to chemicals, they do not encapsulate the primary focus of REACH, which is the protection of health and the environment against the possible dangers posed by chemical substances.