It was clear that although there are still discussions over the detail of some issues between the Commission, Council of Ministers and the Parliament, that the overall tone and scope of the Regulations are agreed. The date for introduction is still not fixed and may be subject to further delay but all parties are clearly working on the assumption that indroduction will be in April 2007.

The first formal actions under REACH will be the establishment of the European Chemicals Agency in Helsinki and it is expected that this will be operational in April 2008 in time for the start of the pre-registration process. All companies that manufacture substances, preparations or articles will be subject to REACH and are strongly advised to prepare now to take advantage of the pre-registration scheme. The window of opportunity for pre-registrations is only sixmonths from April 2008 and only those materials that are pre-registered will be able to take advantage of the phase-in scheme and remain on the market thereafter and during the full regaistration process. If your company does not take advantage of pre-registration, then following publication - anticipated in November 2008 - of the list of pre-registered chemicals by the new Chemicals Agency, you will need to carry out a full registration BEFORE you can continue to sell your products.

Preparation for pre-registration should begin now, while there is still time. For assistance and advice please do not hesitate to contact Delphic HSE.