Armoloy Accreditations
What is REACH?
REACH is an acronym for “Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals.” It’s a regulatory framework established by the European Union to protect human health and the environment from chemical risks.
Developed and enforced by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), REACH applies to all chemical substances manufactured, imported, or used within the EU. This includes industrial materials like plating chemicals as well as everyday consumer products.
REACH shifts the responsibility for chemical safety onto businesses, requiring them to identify and manage the risks of the substances they handle. Substances that pose serious risks may be subject to restrictions or need special approval to continue being used.
REACH is often discussed alongside regulations like RoHS, but they serve different purposes. RoHS restricts hazardous substances in electronics, while REACH covers a broader range of chemicals used across all industries.
For coating providers such as Armoloy, REACH compliance shows a strong commitment to chemical transparency, responsible manufacturing, and global market readiness. Our plating solutions—engineered for durability and performance—also meet the strict chemical safety standards required for ongoing access to EU markets.
Key Principles of REACH Compliance
REACH compliance is built on a simple but powerful foundation: companies must take full responsibility for understanding and managing the chemical substances they use. The regulation’s core objectives are to:
- Protect human health and the environment from harmful chemical exposure
- Promote transparency by making chemical safety information accessible across the supply chain
- Encourage innovation by driving the development of safer alternatives
- Streamline regulation under one unified framework for all chemicals used in the EU
At the heart of REACH compliance is the “no data, no market” principle—meaning companies must register chemical data with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) before substances can be used or sold in the EU. Without clear safety data, access to the market is denied.
At Armoloy, we follow these principles to show our commitment to responsible manufacturing, transparent operations, and global access. Choosing REACH-compliant coatings gives our clients trusted solutions backed by thorough evaluation and forward-thinking environmental standards.
How to Achieve REACH Compliance
REACH compliance requires businesses to take full ownership of the chemicals they manufacture, import, or use in the EU. The process includes:
- Data Collection: Companies gather detailed safety and usage data for all substances.
- Substance Registration: Companies submit this data to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
- Evaluation: ECHA reviews submissions for completeness and safety risks.
- Authorization and Restriction: Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) may be restricted or require special approval.
- Ongoing Monitoring: Companies must stay updated as ECHA adds new substances to its candidate or restricted lists and be ready to reevaluate compliance status.
Testing for REACH compliance typically includes toxicological, ecotoxicological, and physicochemical evaluations, with a strong emphasis on minimizing animal testing through validated alternatives.
Armoloy keeps all product documentation current to meet evolving compliance standards.
Industries That Require REACH Compliance
REACH compliance affects nearly every industry that produces or uses chemicals within the European Union. For companies exporting to the EU, it is a legal requirement—not a recommendation. Industries that commonly fall under REACH include:
- Automotive: Coatings, plastics, and engineered components
- Aerospace: High-performance metals and chemical treatments
- Semiconductors and Electronics: Circuit boards, batteries, chips, connectors, and enclosures
- Medical Devices: Where biocompatibility and chemical transparency are essential
- Food Processing: Machinery components and contact surfaces that come into contact with consumables
- Construction and Machinery: Chemical-treated surfaces and metal parts
- Textiles and Consumer Goods: Including dyes, finishes, and flame retardants
REACH also applies to subcontractors and suppliers within these industries, making it essential for manufacturers to work with compliant partners at every stage of production.
Armoloy’s REACH-compliant plating solutions help manufacturers in these industries meet chemical safety standards without compromising performance.
Benefits of Working with a REACH-Compliant Coatings Provider
EU Market Access
Stay eligible to sell or ship products into the European Union
Verified Chemical Safety
All materials meet strict health and environmental standards
Cleaner Supply Chains
Reduce risk across every tier of production and sourcing
Reliable Documentation
Chemical data is traceable, complete, and audit-ready
Regulatory Alignment
Stay ahead of evolving compliance requirements
Reputation Protection
Demonstrate transparency and responsibility to partners and clients
Operational Efficiency
Streamlined chemical use supports safer, leaner workflows
Sustainability Commitment
Align with global expectations for safer, greener manufacturing
Accreditations at Armoloy
Armoloy uses REACH-compliant substances in its coatings, supporting global market access and chemical transparency without compromising performance. Contact us to find the right plating solution for your application.
Disclaimer: The interpretations and overviews of REACH compliance provided by The Armoloy Corporation are solely the views of Armoloy and may not represent the views of other entities. These interpretations are intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered as definitive or legally binding. The Armoloy Corporation is not responsible for the accuracy of these interpretations and expressly disclaims any liability for loss or damage arising from their use. This disclaimer is subject to change and does not create any express or implied warranty regarding the information provided.