Information in the supply chain
Infographic: facilitating communications in supply chains
Have a look at this interactive image from which you can directly access templates and tools needed to facilitate the flow of information in the supply chains.
The use maps package, in blue, provides a way to communicate information upstream to registrants. The extended safety data sheets package, in yellow, helps suppliers to communicate effectively to users of chemicals.
These tools have been developed by stakeholders as part of the CSR/ES Roadmap.
Infographic | Use map web page
Improving the quality of information in the supply chain
Downstream users can help to improve the quality of information in safety data sheets and exposure scenarios by checking that the necessary information is there, and that it is reliable. Classification is particularly important as it is a key input to further classification, risk assessment and determining whether other legislation applies.
If you are not satisfied with any of the information you receive, contact your suppliers and encourage them to improve it. If it is agreed to amend the classification, suppliers should update their notification and send it to ECHA.
Practical examples of exposure scenarios
Downstream users and the REACH 2018 registration deadline
Users of chemicals: make sure your substances are registered in time and your uses will be covered
Identify substances that are critical to your business and request assurances from your supplier that all necessary substances will be registered by the 31 May 2018 deadline.
Contact your sector organisation to find out if they are preparing a sector use map that covers your use. If you belong to a downstream user sector organisation, and you are not yet involved, contact ECHA or Downstream Users of Chemicals Co-ordination group (DUCC) for more information.
Press release | REACH 2018 and downstream users | Downstream Users of Chemicals Co-ordination group
Support for downstream users
Updated downstream user webpages available in 23 EU languages
The downstream user web pages on ECHA's website have been updated to make the information on the roles and obligations of users of chemicals more easily accessible. Content is available in 23 EU languages.
Downstream user web pages
If your company uses chemicals in its work, you are a downstream user of chemicals
Identify your roles and obligations under REACH and CLP, and watch our videos:
Who is a downstream user under REACH and CLP? |
How REACH and CLP affect downstream users
Are you a small or medium sized company and new to the EU's chemicals legislation?
There is help available. Start by reading our SME and getting started pages.
SME pages | Getting started with EU chemicals legislation
Tips on classification for users of chemicals in the workplace
A short guide has been published for users of chemicals in the workplace on how to get the most from the classification and labelling information received. The publication was developed jointly by ECHA and a working group from national helpdesks.
Tips for users of chemicals in the workplace (CLP)
Do you need to give a presentation on downstream user roles and obligations?
Ready-made presentations are available to use and adapt as you need.
Presentations
Safety data sheets and exposure scenarios explained
The safety data sheets e-Guide explains the information you can find in safety data sheets at a level suited to all employees in the workplace. It also describes what to do for compliance, and is aimed at health and safety professionals. A short factsheet is also available.
Safety data sheets eGuide | Safety data sheets and exposure scenarios factsheet
Downstream users and chemicals of concern
Regulatory decisions affect downstream users
Downstream users have responsibilities when a substance they handle is subject to regulatory risk management such as authorisation, restriction or harmonised classification.
Get an early indication on substances that are under authorities radar and follow the regulatory status. Help decision making by getting involved in public consultation. If your substance is already under some risk management activities, you will find this information in the safety data sheet.
Regulatory control and downstream users | Risk management option analysis and hazard assessment activities
Don't forget about Candidate List substances in articles
Producers of articles should check that article service life is included in the exposure scenarios they receive. In addition, downstream users incorporating Candidate List substances in articles have notification obligations and communication responsibilities towards their customers.
Candidate List substances in articles
Social media
New downstream users LinkedIn page.
Follow us there and help to spread the word by sharing the news with your network.
LinkedIn
ECHA Newsletter
Communicating about safety:
2/2016 Joining forces to improve downstream users' understanding of EU chemicals legislation
1/2016 Supply chain communication - help yourself, use the tools
4/2015 Reaching out to downstream users
