REACH
EU regulation for chemicals registration, evaluation, authorisation, restriction
FSSC 22000
GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme for food safety management systems.
Quick Verdict
REACH mandates chemical risk management for EU market access, while FSSC 22000 certifies voluntary food safety systems for global supply chains. Companies adopt REACH to comply legally; FSSC for buyer trust and GFSI recognition.
REACH
Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH)
Key Features
- Shifts burden to industry for chemical registration over 1 tonne/year
- Four pillars: registration, evaluation, authorisation, restriction
- SVHC Candidate List triggers Article 33 disclosure obligations
- Annex XVII imposes EU-wide binding restrictions and bans
- Requires continuous dossier updates and supply-chain SDS communication
FSSC 22000
Food Safety System Certification 22000
Key Features
- Combines ISO 22000, PRPs, and additional requirements
- GFSI-benchmarked for global retailer acceptance
- Covers full food chain categories B-K
- Mandates food defense and fraud mitigation plans
- Requires food safety culture objectives and verification
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 governing chemicals lifecycle. Its primary purpose is protecting human health and environment by requiring industry-generated safety data on substances, mixtures, and articles. It uses a risk-based, industry-responsibility approach with tonnage-triggered obligations (>1 tonne/year).
Key Components
- Four pillars: Registration (dossiers via IUCLID), Evaluation (dossier/substance checks), Authorisation (SVHC Annex XIV permissions), Restriction (Annex XVII bans/limits).
- 17 technical annexes define data requirements, SDS rules, exemptions.
- Core principles: substitution promotion, supply-chain communication, continuous updates.
- No certification; compliance enforced nationally with ECHA coordination.
Why Organizations Use It
Ensures EU market access, avoids fines/seizures/recalls. Drives risk reduction, innovation via safer alternatives, ESG transparency. Mandatory for manufacturers/importers; builds stakeholder trust, competitive edge in chemicals-dependent sectors.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, substance inventory, dossiers/CSRs, SDS management, monitoring. Applies to all sizes in EU/EEA chemicals supply chains. Ongoing audits, no central certification but national enforcement readiness essential. (178 words)
FSSC 22000 Details
What It Is
FSSC 22000 (Food Safety System Certification 22000) is a GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme for Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS). It applies across food chain categories like manufacturing, packaging, and logistics, using a risk-based PDCA approach integrating ISO 22000:2018 requirements.
Key Components
- **Three pillarsISO 22000:2018 (clauses 4-10), sector-specific PRPs (e.g., ISO/TS 22002 series), FSSC Additional Requirements (e.g., food defense, fraud, allergens).
- Over 100 requirements across management, operations, and verification.
- Built on HACCP principles with CCPs, OPRPs; 3-year certification cycle with audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets retailer mandates, enables global market access.
- Reduces recalls, enhances supply chain trust.
- Drives risk management, sustainability (SDGs), and quality integration.
- Builds stakeholder confidence via public register.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, FSMS design, training, audits.
- For food chain organizations worldwide; CB-led certification mandatory.
Key Differences
| Aspect | REACH | FSSC 22000 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Chemical registration, evaluation, authorisation, restriction | Food safety management systems, PRPs, hazard control |
| Industry | Chemicals, manufacturing, all product sectors EU-wide | Food chain: manufacturing, packaging, catering, global |
| Nature | Mandatory EU regulation, legally binding | Voluntary GFSI-benchmarked certification scheme |
| Testing | Dossier submission, substance evaluation, no certification | Third-party audits, surveillance, recertification cycles |
| Penalties | National fines, product bans, market exclusion | Loss of certification, no legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about REACH and FSSC 22000
REACH FAQ
FSSC 22000 FAQ
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