REACH
EU regulation for chemical registration, evaluation, authorisation, restriction
BRC
Global standard for food safety in manufacturing
Quick Verdict
REACH mandates chemical risk management across EU industries via registration and restrictions, ensuring safety. BRC provides voluntary food safety certification through audits and HACCP for manufacturers. Companies adopt REACH for legal compliance, BRC for retailer access.
REACH
Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006
Key Features
- Shifts burden to industry for chemical risk data generation
- Registration required above 1 tonne/year per legal entity
- Four pillars: registration, evaluation, authorisation, restriction
- SVHC Candidate List triggers immediate supply-chain duties
- Annex XVII enforces EU-wide substance use restrictions
BRC
BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety
Key Features
- HACCP-based food safety management system
- Senior management commitment and culture plan
- Fundamental requirements for non-conformities
- Environmental monitoring and risk zoning
- Unannounced audits with performance grading
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
REACH Details
What It Is
REACH (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006) is a directly applicable EU regulation establishing a comprehensive framework for managing chemical risks. Its primary purpose is protecting human health and the environment by shifting responsibility to industry for generating safety data on substances. Scope covers manufacture, import, and use of substances, mixtures, and certain articles across the EU/EEA. Key approach is risk-based, scaling requirements by tonnage and hazard via four integrated pillars.
Key Components
- **RegistrationDossiers submitted to ECHA for substances >1 tonne/year.
- **EvaluationDossier compliance checks and substance investigations.
- **AuthorisationPermission regime for SVHCs on Annex XIV.
- **RestrictionBans/limits on Annex XVII for unacceptable risks. Built on technical annexes (I-XVII) defining data needs; no certification, but continuous compliance with updates like Candidate List.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandatory for EU market access; avoids fines, seizures, market bans. Drives substitution, supply-chain transparency, innovation in safer chemistries. Enhances ESG reporting, stakeholder trust, reduces liability.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, substance inventory, dossier preparation, SDS communication, monitoring. Applies to manufacturers/importers/downstream users; cross-industry, global via Only Representatives. National enforcement; audit readiness via records (10 years).
BRC Details
What It Is
BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety (Issues 8/9) is a GFSI-benchmarked certification framework for food manufacturers, processors, and packers. It ensures product safety, legality, authenticity, and quality through a structured management system combining senior management commitment, Codex HACCP-based plans, and prerequisite programs like GMP/GHP.
Key Components
- Nine core clauses: senior management, HACCP, FSQMS, site standards, product/process controls, personnel, risk zones, traded products.
- Fundamental requirements (e.g., traceability, allergens, CAPA) critical for certification.
- Built on risk assessments, internal audits, and root cause analysis.
- Grading (AA/A/B/C/D) via announced/unannounced audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets retailer mandates for supply chain access.
- Reduces recalls via environmental monitoring, fraud prevention.
- Builds trust, demonstrates due diligence, aligns with FSMA.
- Drives efficiencies, continuous improvement.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, documentation, training, mock audits (6-12 months typical).
- Applies to manufacturers globally; site-specific certification via accredited bodies.
Key Differences
| Aspect | REACH | BRC |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Chemicals registration, evaluation, authorisation, restriction | Food safety management, HACCP, site standards, quality |
| Industry | Chemicals, manufacturing, import, EU-wide all sectors | Food manufacturing, packaging, storage, global retailers |
| Nature | Mandatory EU regulation, legally binding | Voluntary GFSI-benchmarked certification standard |
| Testing | Dossier submission, substance evaluation, no routine audits | Annual third-party audits, announced/unannounced |
| Penalties | National fines, product bans, market exclusion | Certification loss, no legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about REACH and BRC
REACH FAQ
BRC FAQ
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