The American Herbal Products Association (AHPA) announces the publication of the draft document, “Understanding REACH Regulations and Their Impact on the Herbal Products Industry,” in advance of the Nov. 30, 2008 deadline to pre-register substances under the new regulation.

The European Union’s (EU) Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation, which took effect June 1, 2007, was developed and implemented to replace about 40 other legislative controls in an effort to streamline and improve the former legislative framework on chemicals marketed in the EU. REACH places greater responsibility on industry to manage the risks that chemicals may pose to consumer health and environment.

Companies manufacturing products made and sold as either dietary supplements, food, feedingstuffs or medical devices have no requirement under REACH. However, marketers or producers of personal care and cosmetics products may need to register. Suppliers of ingredients used in the manufacture or sale of these products may also need to register.

AHPA’s new draft document discusses such issues as the data that needs to be registered; chemicals and substances exempt from registration, and the impact of REACH on herbal products such as cosmetics. Links are also provided to the helpdesks in various countries.

“Understanding REACH Regulations and Their Impact on the Herbal Products Industry” is available online: http://www.ahpa.org/portals/0/pdfs/08_1009_Understanding_REACH_Regulations_DRAFT_AHPA.pdf