Restrictions under REACH

REACH foresees a restriction process to regulate the manufacture, placing on the market or use of certain substances if they pose an unacceptable risk to health or the environment. The restriction is designed as a "safety net" to manage risks that are not addressed by the other REACH processes.

Any substance on its own, in a preparation or in an article may be subject to a restriction if it is demonstrated that risks need to be addressed on a Community-wide basis. A restriction dossier needs to justify that the proposed restriction is the most appropriate risk management measure to address these risks

Proposals for restrictions can be prepared by Member States or by ECHA on request of the Commission. The Restriction process is described in Title VIII of the REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006.

Guidance

Guidance on developing proposals for Restrictions consists of two documents and reporting format. They help Member States and ECHA to prepare dossiers to propose and justify restrictions of the manufacture, placing on the market or use of a substance.