Ukraine adopts Technical Regulation on Chemical Safety in line with EU-REACH

On July 23, 2024, the Ukrainian government approved the Technical Regulation on the Safety of Chemical Products (UA-REACH), which is in line with EU-REACH standards. The regulation aims to protect human health and the environment from the risks associated with chemical substances, while facilitating their free circulation on the market.

Mandatory Registration

This regulation requires the registration of all chemicals produced, imported or sold in Ukraine in quantities of more than one tonne per year. Registration ensure the creation of  a comprehensive database on chemical properties, risks, and safe use, which will be managed by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources.

Broad Scope and Goals

Deputy Minister Olena Kramarenko emphasized the broad scope of the regulation, which covers industrial and everyday chemicals. The long-term goal is to replace hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives, thereby improving the protection of human health and the environment.

Support and Background

In December 2022, Ukraine adopted the Law ‘On Ensuring Chemical Safety and Management of Chemical Products’. The law is the basis for building a national chemicals management system based on the European model and has created the foundation for further steps, including the implementation of the two major EU technical regulations: CLP (Classification, Labelling, and Packaging) and REACH. The CLP Regulation was adopted on 10 May 2024.

The development of UA-REACH was supported by OSCE projects in Ukraine as part of the project ‘Environmental Monitoring of the War Against Ukraine and Recovery Strategy.