COBIT
Framework for enterprise IT governance and management
REACH
EU regulation for chemicals registration, evaluation, authorisation, restriction.
Quick Verdict
COBIT provides voluntary IT governance frameworks for enterprises worldwide, while REACH mandates chemical safety registration in EU. Companies adopt COBIT for risk-optimized IT value; REACH ensures legal market access and hazard control.
COBIT
COBIT 2019 Governance and Management Objectives
Key Features
- Tailored governance system via 11 design factors
- 40 objectives across 5 domains (EDM-APO-BAI-DSS-MEA)
- CMMI-based performance management levels 0-5
- Goals cascade linking stakeholders to IT outcomes
- Explicit separation of governance from management
REACH
Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH)
Key Features
- Shifts burden to industry for chemical safety data generation
- Mandatory registration for substances over 1 tonne/year
- Authorisation regime for SVHCs with sunset dates
- EU-wide restrictions on unacceptable chemical risks
- Supply-chain SDS and SVHC communication obligations
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
COBIT Details
What It Is
COBIT 2019 (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies) is a comprehensive governance framework developed by ISACA for enterprise IT (I&T). Its primary purpose is to align I&T with business goals, manage risks, and optimize resources through tailored governance systems. It uses a design-factor-driven approach with 11 factors for customization.
Key Components
- **5 domainsEDM (governance), APO, BAI, DSS (operations), MEA (assurance)
- 40 governance/management objectives in core model
- 6 governance principles and 7 components (processes, structures, etc.)
- CMMI-based capability levels 0-5; no formal certification, self-assessments
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives value, risk optimization, compliance (SOX, GDPR alignments)
- Enhances auditability, stakeholder trust
- Supports digital transformation, interoperability with ITIL/NIST
- Builds competitive agility via measurable performance
Implementation Overview
Phased: assess gaps, design via toolkit, pilot objectives, measure MEA. Suits enterprises any size/industry; requires training (Foundation/Design certs), no mandatory audits.
REACH Details
What It Is
REACH (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006) is a directly applicable EU regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. It aims to protect human health and the environment from chemical risks while promoting innovation and competitiveness. REACH uses a risk-based approach, shifting responsibility to industry for generating safety data on substances, mixtures, and articles.
Key Components
- Four pillars: Registration (>1 tonne/year), Evaluation (dossier checks), Authorisation (SVHCs on Annex XIV), Restriction (Annex XVII bans/limits).
- 17 technical annexes detailing data requirements, lists, and SDS rules.
- Principles: industry-led knowledge, substitution, supply-chain communication.
- Continuous compliance model with ECHA submissions and national enforcement.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for EU market access; avoids fines, bans, recalls.
- Manages risks from penalties, supply disruptions, liabilities.
- Strategic gains: transparency, ESG alignment, safer alternatives, competitive edge.
- Enhances trust via SDS and Article 33 SVHC disclosures.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: inventory, gap analysis, dossiers (IUCLID), monitoring.
- Targets chemical manufacturers/importers/downstream users EU-wide.
- No certification; focuses on processes, audits, ECHA tools.
Key Differences
| Aspect | COBIT | REACH |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Enterprise IT governance and management objectives | Chemical substance registration, evaluation, authorisation, restriction |
| Industry | All industries worldwide, enterprise IT focus | Chemicals, manufacturing, EU/EEA market actors |
| Nature | Voluntary governance framework by ISACA | Mandatory EU regulation with national enforcement |
| Testing | Capability/maturity assessments (0-5 levels) | Hazard, exposure, toxicological testing per tonnage |
| Penalties | No legal penalties, certification loss | Fines, market bans, criminal sanctions by Member States |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about COBIT and REACH
COBIT FAQ
REACH FAQ
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