Most companies use chemicals in one way or another. They are essential for our way of life and our economy, but they have to be managed safely so as to protect human health and the environment. 

Equal standards for the manufacturing, supply and safe use of chemicals apply across the entire European Economic Area (EEA), which includes the EU Member States, Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. These standards apply to companies regardless of their position in the supply chain and the products they manufacture, import, export, supply or use.

This means that the legislation most likely applies to your business in some way. It:

• Covers all sectors manufacturing, importing, distributing or using chemicals as raw materials or finished products (not only the chemical industry)
• Applies to you regardless of your company size
• Makes you responsible for the safe use of the substances you place on the market or use
• Requires every actor in the supply chain to communicate information on the safe use of chemicals
• Gives consumers the right to ask about substances of very high concern contained in your articles

What you have to do depends on the type of products you place on the market or use:

• Substances on their own, including metals
• Mixtures, or
• Articles

You will have to comply with additional requirements if you place hazardous products on the market. 

If this is new to you, start here. The first step is to identify your role in the supply chain for each product and then to check what is required of you. A single company may have more than one role.