The chemicals regulation REACH, one of the most ambitious environmental projects in the history of the EU, started successfully. In the first month almost 16,000 substances were already pre-registered with the European Chemicals Agency in Helsinki. Federal Environment Minister Sigmar Gabriel: "The regulation is a major step forward for environmental and consumer protection while also providing new investment opportunities for the industry." The main goal of the regulation is to close knowledge gaps regarding potential risks of substances. This will be achieved in particular through the new registration system for substances. The newly gained knowledge will support enterprises in developing innovative products and manufacturing processes. Thus, a higher level of protection for the environment, employees and consumers is guaranteed.
The time period between the adoption of the regulation in late 2006 and the entering into force of its key provisions was used to establish the necessary structures, accompanying provisions and implementation guides. At the European level the European Chemicals Agency ECHA (www.echa.eu ) was established, which provides detailed information. In Germany, the REACH Adaptation Act (Federal Law Gazette I, p. 922) , which entered into force on 1 June 2008, provides the basis for an efficient and sound implementation of the REACH regulation. This includes provisions governing penalties and fines and provisions laying down the responsibilities of the federal government and the Länder.
The Federal Chemicals Office was set up at the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BAuA) in Dortmund, which contributed to the European decision-making process together with other expert authorities such as the Federal Environment Agency and the Federal Institute for Risk Assessment. The Federal Chemicals Office also set up the "REACH Helpdesk" which provides guidance for companies with regard to their obligations. The number of queries shows the great interest of companies in this offer and is also a sign that REACH is starting to have an effect.
The REACH Helpdesk is free of charge and can be contacted via Internet at www.reach-helpdesk.de or by phone (0231 / 90 71 29 71).