REACH
EU regulation for chemical registration, evaluation, authorisation, restriction
ISO 41001
International standard for facility management systems
Quick Verdict
REACH mandates chemical safety registration and restrictions for EU market access, while ISO 41001 provides voluntary certification for effective facility management. Companies adopt REACH for legal compliance; ISO 41001 for operational efficiency and sustainability.
REACH
Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH)
Key Features
- Shifts burden of chemical risk proof to industry
- Mandatory registration for substances over 1 tonne/year
- Authorisation regime for SVHCs promoting substitution
- EU-wide restrictions via Annex XVII for hazards
- Candidate List triggers immediate SVHC notifications
ISO 41001
ISO 41001:2018 Facility management — Management systems
Key Features
- Distinguishes FM organization from demand organization
- HLS and PDCA for integrated management systems
- Stakeholder requirements lifecycle management
- Risk planning includes continuity and emergencies
- Operational service integration and coordination
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 throughout their lifecycle. Its primary purpose is protecting human health and the environment by shifting responsibility to industry for identifying, registering, and managing chemical risks. Scope covers substances, mixtures, and articles; key approach is tonnage-based data requirements with evaluation, authorisation, and restriction pillars.
Key Components
- Four pillars: Registration (>1 tonne/year dossiers), Evaluation (dossier/substance checks), Authorisation (Annex XIV SVHCs), Restriction (Annex XVII bans/limits).
- 17 technical annexes define data, SDS, exemptions.
- Built on industry-led risk assessment (CSR, exposure scenarios).
- No certification; continuous compliance via ECHA databases.
Why Organizations Use It
Legal obligation for EU market access; avoids fines, seizures, market bans. Reduces risks via substitution, enhances supply-chain transparency. Builds stakeholder trust, supports ESG, drives innovation in safer chemistries.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, substance inventory, dossiers via IUCLID, SDS communication, monitoring. Applies to manufacturers/importers/downstream users EU-wide; high complexity for global firms. No formal certification; national enforcement audits.
ISO 41001 Details
What It Is
ISO 41001:2018 is a certifiable management system standard titled Facility management — Management systems — Requirements with guidance for use. It specifies requirements for an FM system to demonstrate effective FM delivery supporting demand organization objectives, stakeholder needs, and sustainability. Built on ISO High-Level Structure (HLS) and PDCA cycle, it applies a process approach distinguishing FM and demand organizations.
Key Components
- Clauses 4–10: Context, Leadership, Planning, Support, Operation, Performance Evaluation, Improvement.
- FM-specific elements like stakeholder mapping (4.2), policy endorsement (5.2), service integration (8.3).
- Core principles: risk-based planning, continual improvement, documented information.
- Certification via accredited third-party audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Strategic alignment, cost control, risk reduction (continuity, emergencies).
- Voluntary but drives compliance, ESG/sustainability (Amendment 1:2024 climate action).
- Enhances competitiveness, stakeholder trust, integrated management systems.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, policy/objectives, processes, audits.
- Applicable all sizes/sectors; 12-18 months typical.
- Internal audits, management reviews precede certification.
Key Differences
| Aspect | REACH | ISO 41001 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Chemicals registration, evaluation, authorisation, restriction | Facility management system processes and services |
| Industry | Chemicals, manufacturing, importing, all sectors using substances | All sectors with facilities, public/private organizations |
| Nature | Mandatory EU regulation, legally binding | Voluntary management system standard, certifiable |
| Testing | Dossier compliance checks, substance evaluations by ECHA | Internal audits, management reviews, certification audits |
| Penalties | National fines, product seizures, market bans | No legal penalties, loss of certification |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about REACH and ISO 41001
REACH FAQ
ISO 41001 FAQ
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