Metals sector REACH consortia well under way
A website to provide sectoral advice and practical help on REACH compliance has been launched by the International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM) and Eurometaux.
Designed to bring suppliers and downstream users together to discuss REACH implementation strategies, the site includes contact details for at least six registration consortia that are already open for signature.
For instance, companies are being invited to join consortia on cadmium, magnesium, nickel and precious metals including silver, gold, platinum, ruthenium, osmium and their compounds and alloys.
Several other groups are due to be launched this autumn including consortia on cobalt, copper, molybdenum and antimony.
Each of the groups is being led by a different company or trade body that is responsible for coordinating membership and publicity. Given that the REACH regulation does not specify rules for the format or operation of these groups, each has a slightly different set up. In line with EU competition laws, all are open to any potential registrants under REACH whether based within or outside the EU.
First steps taken by many consortia include assessing the quantity and quality of data already available, determining what further testing is necessary and finding external consultants and testing facilities. The groups are at varied stages of finalising legal contracts.
The ICMM and Eurometaux are both funding the REACH “metals gateway”. Other services provided on the website include the key REACH legislative texts, technical information and links to national helpdesks. The two bodies are currently preparing a detailed manual on REACH implementation by the sector which will be available to members.
In a statement issued when the REACH Regulation entered into force just over two months ago, Eurometaux proclaimed the readiness of its members. It said the industry was “prepared to ensure that [the Regulation] will be implemented in a cost-efficient and timely manner”.
The association acknowledges that the industry needed to be one of the first out of the starting blocks given that many metals are produced and imported in high volumes and will therefore fall under the first deadline for registration by 30 November 2010.
Eurometaux lobbied hard to win exemptions for the sector - with limited success. It has since been closely involved in the preparation of technical guidance to make sure that the special characteristics of metals and metal compounds are taken into account.
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