REACH is a European Union legislation adopted to protect both people’s health and the environment against possible threats posed by chemicals. In addition, this legislation boosts alternative risk assessment methods that reduce the need for animal testing.

REACH compels the industry to register chemicals and to assess their safe use. In some cases this system grants licences to companies as well as imposing restrictions in use.

REACH is short for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals.