Intertek Offers REACH Compliance Services for the Automotive Industry
17 Apr 2008
Anticipating and achieving the requirements of the ‘chemical directive’ for down-stream users including the automotive industry
Intertek (www.intertek.com) an end-to-end environmental compliance solution provider that works with companies world-wide to rapidly and cost-effectively fulfill the European Union’s environmental compliance requirements is offering REACH consulting, documentation and (pre-)registration services for automotive manufacturers. The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) is urging members of the automotive community to take action to initiate REACH compliance strategies, including pre-registration, in order to avoid import, production and shipment disruption in Europe. As a result many automotive suppliers are receiving letters from manufacturers and importers requesting that REACH intentions be clarified and communicated.
Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals (EC 1907/2006), also known as the ‘REACH’ Directive, is one of the most comprehensive and far-reaching pieces of environmental legislation to come out of the European Union. Almost no products or materials are out of scope of this legislation, including those used by the automotive industry. As so-called “down-stream users” of chemical materials, the car industry will have to make sure that all chemicals used in cars comply with REACH requirements, including registration. Manufacturers cannot sell, register or import cars into Europe that carry substances which do not comply with REACH.
REACH poses a threat to any company doing business directly or indirectly in the EU. Automotive companies that do not comply with REACH will have no market, while companies that understand the business implications and impacts of REACH and develop strategic implementation plans will gain the competitive edge over those that do not.
“Suppliers to the automotive industry that develop and execute a strategic plan to meet their responsibilities under the REACH regulation will be better positioned to maintain focus on their core business,” notes Bruce Calder, General Manager of Intertek's Health and Environmental business unit. “Intertek provides critical skills to enable companies to maintain compliance with customers in the automotive sector.”
Contacts
For further information, please contact
Joel Pekay
Global Marketing and Business Development Director
Telephone: 630-481-3126
Email: joel.pekay@intertek.com