OREANDA-NEWS  On 01 December was announced, that Uralkali granted REACH pre-registration for potassium chloride for export to EU countries.

In June 2007 a European Union Regulation REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of Chemicals) came into force. It addresses the production, import, and use of all chemical substances within the EU. For registration purposes, chemicals are thoroughly tested in laboratories, and the test results are used to issue a chemical safety report on their health and environmental hazards.

The new Regulation requires companies, which manufacture or import any chemical substances into the EU to register these substances with the European Chemicals Agency (ECA). REACH applies to all companies exporting their chemicals to EU Member States in quantities of more than one tonne per year. The first step of the REACH procedure is pre-registration, during which manufacturers and importers submit the necessary data about chemical substances imported into the EU to the ECA before December 1, 2008. As of December 1, 2008, chemical substances without pre-registration must not be imported into the EU.

Uralkali received the pre-registration for potassium chloride in time and on October 31, 2008 was granted REACH unique pre-registration number that allows the company to continue exporting its products to EU markets. Uralkali is committed to operating in compliance with all EU standards and regulations. Accordingly, the company has taken a thorough approach in preparing the data for REACH registration.

The second step of the REACH procedure, the registration itself, should be completed by December 1, 2010.