Standards Comparison

    REACH

    Mandatory
    2007

    EU regulation for chemical registration, evaluation, authorisation, restriction

    VS

    ISO 21001

    Voluntary
    2018

    International standard for educational organizations management systems

    Quick Verdict

    REACH mandates chemical safety registration and restrictions for EU manufacturers, ensuring risk management. ISO 21001 is a voluntary framework for educational organizations to enhance learner satisfaction and outcomes through systematic processes. Companies adopt REACH for legal compliance; ISO 21001 for quality certification.

    Chemical Safety

    REACH

    Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH)

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    18-24 months

    Key Features

    • Shifts chemical risk responsibility to industry for registration
    • Tonnage-based data requirements starting at 1 tonne/year
    • Authorisation regime for SVHCs drives substitution post-sunset
    • Annex XVII imposes EU-wide bans on unacceptable risks
    • Article 33 mandates SVHC disclosure in articles over 0.1%
    Educational Management

    ISO 21001

    ISO 21001: Educational organizations management systems

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Learner-centered design and special needs support
    • Annex SL structure for ISO standards integration
    • Risk-based planning and educational objectives
    • Curriculum development and assessment validation controls
    • Data protection and stakeholder engagement principles

    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 requiring industry to identify, assess, and control chemical hazards across the supply chain. The core approach is industry-led responsibility, with ECHA coordinating technical aspects.

    Key Components

    • Four pillars: Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, Restriction.
    • Annexes VII-X for tonnage-based data (β‰₯1-1000 tpa); Annex XIV (SVHC authorisation); Annex XVII (restrictions).
    • Built on risk assessment (CSA/CSR), supply-chain communication (SDS, Article 33), and continuous updates.
    • No certification; ongoing compliance enforced nationally.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Ensures EU market access, avoids fines/recalls, mitigates supply disruptions. Mandatory for manufacturers/importers >1 tpa. Drives substitution, enhances ESG reputation, reduces liability.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: inventory substances, build dossiers (IUCLID), monitor lists, engage suppliers/ORs. Applies to chemicals/mixtures/articles EU-wide; suits all sizes via consortia. Continuous via audits/training; national enforcement.

    ISO 21001 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 21001:2025 is the international standard titled Educational organizations β€” Management systems for educational organizations (EOMS) β€” Requirements with guidance for use. It provides a certifiable framework for educational organizations to manage teaching, learning, and research processes. The primary purpose is enhancing learner satisfaction and competence development through risk-based, PDCA-cycle approaches tailored to education.

    Key Components

    • 10 main clauses following Annex SL structure: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
    • 11 core principles including learner focus, accessibility, ethical conduct, data protection.
    • Education-specific elements: curriculum design, assessment validation, special needs support.
    • Certification model via accredited bodies with Stage 1/2 audits and surveillance.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Drives learner outcomes, retention, and efficiency.
    • Mitigates risks in data governance, assessment integrity.
    • Builds trust with stakeholders, employers, regulators.
    • Enables competitive differentiation and ISO integration.

    Implementation Overview

    • **Phased approachgap analysis, process mapping, training, pilots, audits.
    • Applicable to all sizes/types of educational providers globally.
    • Involves leadership commitment, templates like VET21001, internal audits.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    REACH
    Chemicals registration, evaluation, authorisation, restriction
    ISO 21001
    Educational management systems for learner outcomes

    Industry

    REACH
    Chemicals, manufacturing, importing sectors EU-wide
    ISO 21001
    Educational organizations worldwide, all sizes

    Nature

    REACH
    Mandatory EU regulation with national enforcement
    ISO 21001
    Voluntary ISO certification standard

    Testing

    REACH
    Dossier submissions, compliance checks by ECHA
    ISO 21001
    Internal audits, certification body assessments

    Penalties

    REACH
    Fines, product seizures, market bans by Member States
    ISO 21001
    Loss of certification, no legal penalties

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about REACH and ISO 21001

    REACH FAQ

    ISO 21001 FAQ

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