REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, Restriction of Chemicals.

REACH is an EU legislation that was created to protect human health and the environment. The objective is to identify harmful chemical substances earlier and throughout their life cycles. The idea for REACH began in 2001, based on a white paper on chemical regulation, but didn’t become fully operational until June 1, 2008. REACH is monitored by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

There are three main categories REACH applies to: Chemicals, Mixtures, and Articles. TVF supplies Articles as defined by REACH.  An Article is an object whose function is more important than its chemistry. Fabric, clothing, flooring, furniture, jewelry, newspapers, and plastic packaging are examples of articles.

REACH and RoHS were designed to be complementary (although they partially overlap).