REACH Certification in India: Complete Guide by a Global REACH Compliance Consultant

REACH Certification plays a crucial role in regulating chemical substances to ensure the safety of human health and the environment. REACH, which stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals, is a European Union regulation introduced under EC Regulation No. 1907/2006. Although it is an EU law, REACH has a global impact, including on Indian manufacturers, exporters, and importers dealing in chemical substances, mixtures, and articles supplied to the European Union.

For Indian businesses aiming to access the EU market, REACH compliance is not optional—it is mandatory. This guide provides a complete overview of REACH Certification in India, its requirements, scope, and how a global REACH compliance consultant like Induce India can support your regulatory journey.

What is REACH Certification?

REACH is a regulatory framework designed to improve the protection of human health and the environment from chemical-related risks. Under REACH, companies that manufacture or import chemical substances into the EU in quantities of one metric ton or more per year must register those substances with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

The regulation promotes transparency, accountability, and responsible chemical management throughout the supply chain. It also encourages the use of safer alternatives to hazardous chemicals.

Why REACH Certification is Important for Indian Companies

Indian manufacturers and exporters supplying chemicals or chemical-containing products to the EU must comply with REACH regulations. Failure to meet these requirements can result in:

Denial of market access to the EU
Product recalls or bans
Legal penalties and reputational damage

REACH certification helps Indian companies:

Enter and sustain business in the EU market
Demonstrate commitment to global chemical safety standards
Improve supply chain transparency and product credibility

Regulatory Authority for REACH

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, is the central authority responsible for managing REACH registrations, evaluations, and authorizations. The regulation originated from the EU’s Chemicals White Paper and came into force in 2007.

Alongside REACH, the CLP Regulation (Classification, Labelling, and Packaging) governs hazard communication and is internationally recognized.

Scope of REACH Certification

REACH applies to all entities involved in the chemical supply chain, including manufacturers, importers, and downstream users. It categorizes regulated materials into three main types:

Substance

A substance is a chemical element or compound in its natural or manufactured form, including impurities and additives. Examples include industrial chemicals such as formaldehyde. Solvents that can be removed without changing the substance are excluded.

Mixture

A mixture consists of two or more substances combined to form products such as paints, inks, coatings, and adhesives. Individual substances within mixtures must be registered if they exceed the tonnage threshold.

Article

An article is an object with a specific shape or design, such as textiles, toys, garments, and accessories. Substances used in articles may require registration if they meet REACH criteria.

REACH Compliance in India

REACH compliance in India is achieved through coordination with the EU regulatory framework. Indian manufacturers and overseas companies exporting from India must appoint an Only Representative (OR) or authorized agent to handle REACH obligations.

Induce India, as a global REACH compliance consultant, provides comprehensive regulatory support to ensure full compliance with REACH requirements.

Who Needs REACH Compliance?

Indian chemical manufacturers
Exporters supplying chemicals to the EU
Importers and distributors
Authorized Indian representatives of foreign manufacturers

Key Requirements for REACH Registration

1. Notification and Annual Reporting

All priority and hazardous substances manufactured or imported in quantities exceeding one ton per year must be notified to the authorities. Required documentation includes:

Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Substance identification data
Annual quantity reports

Successful submissions receive a notification number, and updates must be made within 60 days of any changes.

2. Substance Registration

REACH registration requires:

Submission of a Technical Dossier
Preparation of a Chemical Safety Report (CSR) with exposure scenarios
Test data from NABL or GLP-accredited laboratories

Registration fees are based on tonnage, with reduced rates available for MSMEs.

3. Import Control of Hazardous Chemicals

Importers of hazardous or priority substances must apply prior to import and provide:

Importer and consignee details
Port of entry and transport route
Chemical identification and quantities
Safety and hazard information

Authorities may restrict imports if safety or environmental risks are identified.

Substance Evaluation and Risk Assessment

Before registration, applicants must assess chemical properties in line with Annex VI and VII of the REACH regulation. This includes:

Physical and chemical hazards
Toxicological risks
Environmental impact assessments

Accurate classification and risk evaluation are essential for successful registration.

Information Required Under Annex VI

Annex VI specifies detailed information requirements, including:

Applicant and manufacturer details
Substance composition and identification
Manufacturing and usage information
Health, safety, and exposure data
Tonnage-based hazard information

Role of a Global REACH Compliance Consultant

Navigating REACH regulations can be complex and resource-intensive. A global REACH compliance consultant provides expert guidance to ensure efficient and error-free compliance.

How Induce India Supports REACH Certification

End-to-end REACH registration and notification services
Preparation of technical dossiers, CSR, and SDS
Liaison with ECHA and regulatory authorities
Cost-effective and transparent compliance processes
Dedicated support for Indian and foreign manufacturers

Induce India’s regulatory experts ensure your chemicals meet all legal requirements while minimizing compliance risks.

Conclusion

REACH Certification is a mandatory requirement for Indian companies involved in the manufacture or export of chemical substances to the European Union. With stringent regulations and evolving compliance standards, professional support is essential.

As a global REACH compliance consultant, Induce India offers reliable, end-to-end solutions for REACH Certification in India. By partnering with experienced regulatory professionals, businesses can achieve compliance, maintain EU market access, and demonstrate commitment to global chemical safety and environmental protection.