PPG prepares for REACH

In December 2006, the environment ministers of the European Union (EU) member states gave final approval to comprehensive chemical control rules, known as REACH (Registration, Evaluation, and Authorization of Chemicals), paving the way for the legislation to Enter Into Force (EIF) on June 1, 2007. REACH will require the registration of approximately 30,000 chemical substances with a new Helsinki-based chemicals agency. PPG has been preparing for REACH by tracking the legislative developments and debates for the past 3 1/2 years. Recently, a PPG REACH steering committee was formed consisting of high-level stakeholders to guide, review and approve overall company activities. As the steering committee identifies the potential impacts of REACH to PPG, appropriate subcommittees and/or working groups will be created to focus on specific REACH elements or tasks.