Certification in India
Certification in India, since LPG(Liberalisation, Privatisation and Globalisation) reforms in 1991, plays a critical role in ensuring that products and processes meet established national standards and international quality, safety, and environmental standards. Several government bodies and regulatory agencies, such as the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Export Inspection Council (EIC), and pollution control boards, oversee the certification process for diverse sectors ranging from industrial chemicals and consumer goods to pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals. This draws special attention of certification as a gateway to market access, enhanced product credibility, and adherence to safety and environmental norms, which ultimately drives both domestic industry standards and international trade in the big run.
REACH stands for?
REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals . This is a European Union (EU) regulation which is aimed at ensuring chemical safety in products, to protect human health and well being and the environmental factors by administering and controlling the production and use of chemical substances. Indian manufacturers who are exporting chemicals, formulations, or finished goods to the EU must comply with REACH standards to continue their advancement in trade relations. This is in tandem with the general principle of maintaining healthy cross border sharing of goods and services which could be fruitful for the present and the future generations.
India, as per the World GDP ranking 2025, currently stands as the 5th largest economy in the world. As a major exporter of chemicals, pharmaceuticals and dyes, it has seen increasing demand for REACH certification which is only going to reach greater heights in the future. Thus, compliance and credibility of the products is crucial for businesses to maintain access to European markets and build a deep level of trust between the countries and thereby, with the rest of the world.
What is Reach certification?
To put simply, REACH certification is not a traditional “certificate” but an exhaustive process that demonstrates a company’s commitment to meeting stringent EU chemical safety standards—essential for gaining market access in the European Union. It refers to the process of complying with the EU regulation known as Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). This regulation is designed to protect human health and the environment by ensuring that companies provide detailed information about the chemical substances they manufacture, import, or use. It entered into force on 1 June 2007.
It also promotes several alternative methods for the hazard computation of substances in order to reduce the number of tests on animals which is by far, one of the most genuine advancement any certification can take.
Obtaining REACH certification is essential for Indian companies exporting chemicals to the EU. By following proper registration, appointing and/or complying with ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) regulations, businesses can ensure smooth trade operations while adhering to environmental and safety standards.
REACH’s effect on companies- In general, under REACH, the roles can be of one of the following:
Manufacturer: If you make chemicals, either to use yourself or to supply to other people (even if it is for export), then you will probably have some important responsibilities under REACH.
Importer: If you buy anything from outside the EU/EEA, you are likely to have some responsibilities under REACH. It may be individual chemicals, mixtures for onward sales or finished products, like clothes, furniture or plastic goods.
Downstream users: Most companies use chemicals, sometimes even without realising it, therefore you need to check your obligations if you handle any chemicals in your industrial or professional activities.
Companies established outside the EU (for instance, Indian companies): If you are a company established outside the EU, you are surely not bounded by the obligations of REACH, even if you export their products into the customs territory of the European Union. The ultimate obligation for fulfilling the requirements of REACH, such as registration, lies with the importers established in the European Union, or with the representative of a non-EU manufacturer established in the European Union.
Key aspects of REACH certification include:
•Registration: Companies must submit a catalogue containing data on the properties, uses, and safe handling of the chemicals. It stipulates that chemical substances that exceed 1 tonne per year per company must be registered with ECHA. In this process, companies must identify the risks linked to the substances they handle and indicate how they manage them. This obligation applies to both substances and mixtures.
•Evaluation: The submitted information is then evaluated and reviewed to assess potential risks and ascertain if it poses any risks to human health or environment.
•Authorization: Certain hazardous substances may require specific permission for use.This process aims to ensure that substances of very high concern (SVHCs) are progressively replaced by less dangerous substances or technologies where technically and economically feasible alternatives are available.
•Restriction: REACH includes a restriction process for certain substances and chemicals of very high concern if they pose an unacceptable risk to health or the environment. Such substances may be limited or even banned, if necessary.
Protecting consumers: Under REACH, consumers have the right to know whether the products they buy contain harmful chemicals or not. These substances are found in everyday products, and they have been linked to serious and often irreversible effects on health or the environment. To assist consumers, REACH introduced the “consumer right to know” in Article 33.
Steps to obtain REACH certfication in India:
1. Appoint an Only Representative (OR) in the EU: Since Indian companies are non-EU entities, they must appoint an EU-based OR or rely on their importer to register their products under REACH. The OR will handle compliance on behalf of Indian exporters.
2. Identify Chemicals Requiring Registration: Check if the chemical is on the Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) list or restricted under REACH. If the chemical is already registered, Indian companies can access shared data instead of conducting new tests.
3. Conduct Testing & Safety Assessment:
•Toxicology & Eco-Toxicology Tests
•Chemical Composition & Risk Assessment
•Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Preparation
4. Submit REACH Registration via REACH-IT Portal.
The registration is done through the ECHA’s REACH-IT portal, including:
•Chemical identity and properties
•Intended use and exposure scenarios
•Risk management measures
•Testing data
5. Pay Registration Fees & Obtain Certification
The registration fees depend on the following factors:
•Company size (small enterprises get discounts)
•Chemical quantity and category
•Testing requirements
Once approved, companies can legally export their chemicals to the EU under REACH compliance.
Is REACH just for chemicals ?
In principle, REACH applies to all chemical substances; not only those used in industrial processes but also in our day-to-day lives, for example in cleaning products, paints as well as in articles such as clothes, furniture and electrical appliances. So yes, REACH is primarily focused on the regulation of chemicals. It covers:
•Chemical Substances: Both individual chemicals and mixtures.
•Articles Containing Chemicals: If there’s a potential for chemical release during the lifecycle of the product.
The main goal is to ensure that any chemical used or released into the environment is assessed for its safety to human health and the environment. While it directly addresses chemicals, its scope can extend to products that contain chemical substances if they pose potential risks.
The impact of REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) extends beyond just raw chemical substances. It applies to a wide range of products (articles) that contain or release chemicals, affecting industries such as textiles, electronics, automotive, cosmetics, and packaging.
While REACH directly regulates individual chemical substances, it also applies to mixtures (e.g., paints, adhesives, detergents) and finished products if they contain substances of concern. Manufacturers and importers of products must ensure that their items do not contain restricted or banned substances and comply with safety requirements.
For instance,
•Toys and electronics must be free from hazardous chemicals like lead or cadmium.
•Clothing and footwear must comply with limits on dyes and flame retardants.
•Furniture and plastics must avoid restricted plasticizers and coatings.
Even non-chemical industries must comply if their products contain regulated substances. While REACH is centered on chemicals, its influence extends to consumer goods, industrial products, and manufacturing processes, making it one of the most comprehensive regulations for safety and environmental protection.
Is REACH mandatory?
Making REACH imperative ensures consistency, promotes essential behaviours, protects individuals and society from harm and creates a level playing field, particularly when dealing with safety or critical knowledge acquisition, thereby preventing potential negative consequences from non compliance. It is mandatory for companies that manufacture, import, or use chemical substances within the European Union in quantities above certain thresholds. Additionally, non-EU companies that export chemical-containing products to the EU must comply with REACH regulations. However, if a company operates solely within a region that does not enforce REACH (and doesn’t export to the EU), then it isn’t legally required to follow REACH, though it may choose to do so voluntarily for best practices or to facilitate future market expansion.
Why is REACH compliance important ?
Compliance refers to the process of following laws, regulations, policies, and standards set by governments, industry bodies, or organizations. It ensures that businesses, individuals, and products operate legally, ethically, and safely.
REACH compliance is not just a regulatory requirement but a strategic business advantage. It ensures legal market access, enhances safety, and builds credibility while promoting sustainable practices in the chemical industry. This is significant for the following mentioned reasons :
- Mandatory for EU Market Access – Non-compliance can result in a ban on selling products in Europe.
- Ensures Safety & Environmental Protection – Reduces risks associated with hazardous chemicals.
- Boosts Global Trade Opportunities – Compliance with REACH enhances international credibility.
- Prevents Legal Penalties – Companies violating REACH can face fines and restrictions.
- Avoids legal penalties and business restrictions.
- Ensures safety, quality, and ethical business practices.
- Builds trust with customers, investors, and regulators.
- Enhances operational efficiency and global market access.
REACH compliance has, in addition, few more crucial rather non negotiable pointers:
1. Legal Requirement for EU Market Access: REACH is a mandatory regulation in the European Union. Any company manufacturing, importing, or using chemicals in the EU must comply. Without compliance, businesses cannot sell or distribute their products in the EU market.
2. Protects Human Health and the Environment : REACH ensures that chemicals are used safely, reducing risks to human health and the environment. It promotes the elimination or restriction of hazardous substances, leading to safer consumer products.
3. Enhances Product Credibility and Market Acceptance: Compliance with REACH shows that a company adheres to global safety standards, increasing consumer trust and improving brand reputation. Many businesses prefer to work with REACH-compliant suppliers.
4. Reduces Liability and Risk of Penalties
5. Encourages Innovation and Sustainable Alternatives
6. Global Recognition and Trade Benefits
Many countries outside the EU are adopting REACH-like regulations because of its credibility and reliability as a top-notch accreditation measure. To be in compliance by understanding its competence, it can ease entry into other international markets in this globalised world-village, giving companies a competitive edge in global trade and at the same time, realising the sensitising issues of environmental and ecological concerns of today. At the same time, if we portray the other side of the coin, non-compliance with REACH can potentially lead to:
•Product bans in the EU
•Heavy fines and legal action on the culprits.
•Business disruptions and reputational damage of the companies in action.
Companies acting in accordance with REACH often adhere to investing in safer and environmentally conscious chemical alternatives, driving innovation in greener products and cleaner technologies thus, driving the world towards a better and sustainable future and being heedful of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted by the United Nations in 2015.
