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REACH Recast
Definition
The REACH Recast refers to the comprehensive revision of REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, announced under the EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability (CSS) and the European Green Deal. The recast is expected to introduce: formal PMT/vPvM substance criteria; a generic risk approach enabling faster restriction of high-hazard substance groups; polymer registration requirements; revised registration information requirements for low-tonnage substances; stronger enforcement provisions; and integration with the Digital Product Passport framework. A first proposal from the European Commission was anticipated by the end of 2025.
Source
European Commission Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability COM(2020) 667; ECHA Integrated Regulatory Strategy 2025; REACH Recast roadmap.
Practical Explanation (Compliance Context)
The REACH Recast will introduce the most significant changes to REACH since 2006. Companies should track recast developments closely, as they could expand registration requirements (polymers, low tonnage), accelerate restriction timelines for high-hazard substances, and introduce new SVHC categories (PMT/vPvM, EDs). Early preparation includes: polymer substance inventories, supply chain SVHC monitoring systems, and substitution roadmaps for high-concern substances.