In Europe, the REACH (Registration, Evaluation and Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) regulation entered into force on the 1st of June 2007: this legislation replaces the patchwork of many different Directives and Regulations which has developed historically and puts in place a comprehensive system for chemicals control in Europe.  

    ► More information on the practical implementation of REACH

But REACH is not all. In Europe, the regulation of chemicals can also occur through implementation of international agreements such as the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling (GHS), conventions such as the Stockholm convention, the Rotterdam convention and the Basel convention, and the 10 year framework of programmes aimed at sustainable consumption and production known as the Marrakech Process…

   ► Overview on the Chemicals Policy affecting the situation in Europe

Other product specific legislations are those on toys, pesticides, fertilisers, detergents, cosmetics …

In addition to complying with existing legislations, the chemical industry does more: Voluntary initiatives complete the regulatory framework in Europe is operating. Indeed, recognising the need for chemical safety throughout the value chain, the chemical industry launched several initiatives such as the Responsible Care® Global Charter and the Global Product Strategy (GPS). A description of the objectives of these two initiatives as well as others are described in the same paper as mentioned above.