Publication Abstract

Title: The Harmonisation of REACH and HMCS: Evolution of the Regulatory Framework for Offshore Chemicals

Publication Abstract: Following the adoption of the EU Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Regulations, the offshore sector has been subject to two regulatory regimes, having been covered by the OSPAR Harmonised Mandatory Control System (HMCS) since 2000. OSPAR has declared its intention to harmonise the HMCS with REACH where possible, and some progress in this direction has been made. However, there are a considerable number of unresolved issues.

A large amount of information has become available through the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) following REACH chemical registrations submitted to meet the first deadline of 2010. By the end of 2013, the second REACH deadline for the registration of chemicals, the majority of chemical substances for use in the offshore sector will have been registered. Against this backdrop, we present a progress report on the state of play regarding harmonisation of the two regulatory frameworks, looking at the past, present and future for offshore chemicals regulation.

Publication Authors: Bob Rowles, Rosalinda Gioia, Linda Hughes, Lynn Jones, Max La Vedrine, Cheryl Moran, Silke Kroeger, Claire Phillips, and Steven Supple