REACH
EU regulation for chemical registration, evaluation, authorisation, restriction
IFS Food
International standard for food safety and process compliance.
Quick Verdict
REACH mandates chemical risk management for EU manufacturers and importers via registration and restrictions, ensuring safety. IFS Food certifies food processors' quality and safety through audits. Companies adopt REACH for legal compliance, IFS for retailer trust and market access.
REACH
Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH)
Key Features
- Shifts burden of proof to industry for chemical risks
- Mandatory registration for substances over 1 tonne/year
- Authorisation regime for SVHCs drives substitution
- EU-wide restrictions via Annex XVII on unacceptable risks
- SVHC disclosure in articles exceeding 0.1% threshold
IFS Food
IFS Food Version 8
Key Features
- Product and Process Approach with audit trails
- Minimum 50% on-site production evaluation time
- Mandatory traceability tests on sampled products
- 10 Knock-Out requirements for critical controls
- Food fraud and defense vulnerability assessments
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 shifting responsibility to industry for identifying, registering, and managing chemical risks. Scope covers substances, mixtures, and articles; key approach is risk-based with tonnage-triggered data requirements.
Key Components
- Four pillars: Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, Restriction.
- 17 technical Annexes (e.g., XIV for SVHC authorisation, XVII for restrictions).
- Core principles: industry data generation, supply-chain communication, substitution promotion.
- No certification; continuous compliance via ECHA dossiers and national enforcement.
Why Organizations Use It
- Legal obligation for EU market access (fines, seizures for non-compliance).
- Manages risks from SVHCs, avoids market bans.
- Drives innovation via safer alternatives, enhances ESG reputation.
- Builds supply-chain trust, reduces liabilities.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: inventory, gap analysis, dossiers, monitoring.
- Key activities: tonnage tracking, IUCLID submissions, SDS management.
- Applies to manufacturers/importers across industries, EU/EEA geography.
- No central certification; national audits/enforcement required.
IFS Food Details
What It Is
IFS Food Version 8 is the International Featured Standards Food, a GFSI-benchmarked certification framework for food manufacturers. It audits product and process compliance ensuring safe, legal, authentic products meeting customer specs via a risk-based Product and Process Approach (PPA).
Key Components
- Structured in governance, HACCP/PRPs, operational controls (e.g., allergens, fraud, defense), performance monitoring.
- Hundreds of checklist requirements, 10 Knock-Out (KO) criteria like traceability, hygiene.
- Built on HACCP, integrated pest management, annual management reviews.
- Site-specific annual audits by ISO 17065-accredited bodies, scoring for Higher/Foundation levels.
Why Organizations Use It
- Fulfills European retailer mandates, reduces audit duplication.
- Mitigates safety, fraud, defense risks; builds supply chain trust.
- Enables market access, Star status via unannounced audits.
- Drives efficiency, continuous improvement, competitive edge.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, FSMS build, training, validation, internal audits, certification.
- Targets food processors globally, especially private-label; site-focused.
- Involves traceability tests, 50% on-site audits. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | REACH | IFS Food |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Chemicals registration, evaluation, authorisation, restriction | Food manufacturing processes, safety, quality, traceability |
| Industry | Chemicals, manufacturing, importers EU-wide | Food processors, packers, retailers Europe-focused |
| Nature | Mandatory EU regulation, legally binding | Voluntary GFSI certification standard |
| Testing | Dossier submission, substance evaluation by ECHA | Annual on-site product/process audits |
| Penalties | National fines, market bans, criminal sanctions | Certification loss, no legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about REACH and IFS Food
REACH FAQ
IFS Food FAQ
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