KARACHI, June 10: The European Union has introduced a new chemical regulation known as Reach (registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction). It will progressively replace the existing 40 chemicals regulations and directives and will create a single system governing all chemicals used in the European Community.

Chemicals impregnated in textile and footwear products are of no exception to this regulation, which has come into force from June 1, 2008.

This was stated by Douglas Wong, the consultant Reach, at a workshop at Site Association of Industry on Tuesday.

He said if a Pakistani company was doing business with enterprises in EU, it was right time to take some action and to ensure that the chemicals being used in its supply chain suit the criteria set by the Reach, says a press release.

He said the new regulation will provide a high-level of protection to human health and the environment from the use of chemicals and make the people (importing and manufacturing chemicals) to understand the risk associated with the free movement of substance in the EU market. It will also enhance innovation and competitiveness of the EU chemical industry and to promote the use of alternative methods for the assessment of the hazardous properties of substances.

Dr Wong said the new chemical regulation was mainly related to textile and footwear industry to achieve various functions such as water proofing, anti- bacteria and heat resistant. He added that Nano silver, metal oxides and halogenated organic compounds may sometimes be used in achieving the results but consumers, government and non-government organisations frequently ask questions about their safety.