REACH requires that a substance registration is performed for "identified uses".
REACH article 3(26): Identified use means a use of a substance on its own or in a preparation, or a use of a preparation, that is intended by an actor in the supply chain, including his own use, or that is made known to him in writing by an immediate downstream user.
As stated in REACH Regulation these identified uses have to be described in the Chemical Safety Report and Exposure Scenarios (ES) that need to be developed as part of the registration if the hazardous properties of the substance require this. Exposure scenarios enable downstream users (customers) of the substance to determine if they fulfil the safety requirements and therefore are using the substances in a safe way with regards to human health and the environment. Our customers should therefore check that their use(s) of our product is covered by the REACH registration. The uses supported by Boliden are generally the same as recommended and covered by the applicable consortia.
Registered uses can be checked by using the links to the consortia web – sites on REACH Information or using the links in Boliden REACH Product Table.
As a customer (or downstream user), your main obligations under REACH are:
- Follow the instructions in the safety data sheets you receive and in the exposure scenarios which will be attached to some safety data sheets. If your use is not covered by an exposure scenario, you can communícate with your supplier with the aim of having your use covered by an exposure scenario or you may need to develop your own chemical safety report.
- Contact your suppliers if you have new information on the hazard of the substance or preparation or if you believe that the risk management measures are not appropriate.
- Provide your customer with information on hazards, safe conditions, of use and appropriate risk management advice for your preparations, if you are a formulator.
- Provide yu customers with information if the content of certain very dangerous substances, which are candidates for authorisation, exceeds a concentration of 0,1 %w/w in the articles you produce.
Source: ECHA Guidance for downstream users, January 2008