ANTONIO CONTO
Chemsafe, Colleretto Giacosa (TO), Italy

Authorization and Restriction processes are the pillars of the REACH regulation in terms of control of use of the highly dangerous substances called as SVHC = Substances of Very High Concern. Such substances are described in Art. N. 57 of the Regulation, see Figure n. 1

AUTHORIZATION

The Authorization process represents a very revolutionary approach in respect to all previous European chemical laws. As well explained in Art. 55 (see Figure n. 2)  the authorization aims to allow certain substances to be used on the European market only in particular cases and when no substitution is possible. This approach is not only limited to consideration about the safety of the substances but also to the importance to find available and valid alternatives in a socio economic perspective. It is therefore of utmost importance to carry out the so called socio-economic analysis to judge properly if a substances, even if strongly classified as hazardous, may or may not stay on the EU market.

Authorization process is a long and cost effective procedure that may lead to have a substance authorized for a given time (i.e. 5-10) years; such t ...