REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals)
Definition
REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) is a European Union regulation governing the use of chemical substances in products sold within the EU, including electronic components. It maintains a growing list of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) that companies are required to track and, above defined thresholds, communicate and report.
Why it matters
Like RoHS, REACH is a market-access and due-diligence requirement. Manufacturers and distributors must know whether their products contain listed substances, which makes REACH status part of component sourcing and bill-of-materials compliance work. REACH is broader than RoHS: RoHS restricts a fixed list of hazardous substances in electronics, while REACH covers chemicals across products generally and expands its SVHC list over time.
For sourcing, this means confirming both RoHS and REACH status where required, with extra attention to older or secondary-market inventory whose documentation may need verification.
Related terms
- RoHS: the narrower electronics-specific substance restriction, usually tracked alongside REACH.
- Authorized (Franchised) Distributor: the channel with the most complete compliance documentation.
- Counterfeit Electronic Component: a risk that undermines compliance assurance.
3E Technology helps you locate suppliers and contact them directly to confirm compliance details such as REACH SVHC status. See the component sourcing guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is REACH?+
REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. It is a European Union regulation that governs the use of chemical substances in products sold in the EU, including electronic components. It maintains a list of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) that companies must track and, above certain thresholds, report.
How is REACH different from RoHS?+
RoHS restricts a specific list of hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. REACH is broader: it governs chemical substances across products generally, including a growing list of Substances of Very High Concern. Electronics buyers commonly track both, since a component may need to satisfy RoHS and REACH at once.
Related Resources
RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
RoHS is an EU directive restricting hazardous substances like lead in electronics. Here's what it covers and why it matters for component sourcing.
Authorized (Franchised) Distributor
An authorized distributor sells components under a direct agreement with the manufacturer. Here's what that means for traceability and counterfeit risk.
Counterfeit Electronic Component
A counterfeit electronic component is a part misrepresented as to its origin or authenticity. Here's how counterfeits enter the supply chain and how to avoid them.
Component Sourcing: A Practical Guide for Buyers
How component sourcing works: the four supplier channels, a step-by-step sourcing workflow, how to vet suppliers, and where to find sources others miss.
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