REACH
EU regulation for chemicals registration, evaluation, authorisation, restriction
ISO 56002
International standard for innovation management systems
Quick Verdict
REACH mandates chemical safety compliance for EU market access, while ISO 56002 guides voluntary innovation systems for value creation. Companies adopt REACH to avoid penalties and sell legally; ISO 56002 to systematize innovation for competitive advantage.
REACH
Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH)
Key Features
- Shifts burden of proof to industry for chemical risks
- Mandatory registration above 1 tonne/year per legal entity
- Authorisation regime drives SVHC substitution via permissions
- EU-wide restrictions on unacceptable substance uses
- Supply-chain SDS and Article 33 communication duties
ISO 56002
ISO 56002:2019 Innovation management system guidance
Key Features
- PDCA cycle structure across Clauses 4-10
- Future-focused leadership and commitment requirements
- Portfolio governance with stage-gate processes
- Balanced KPIs for input, throughput, outcomes, learning
- Tailorable guidance for SMEs and enterprises
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 through industry-led identification of substance properties, risks, and safe-use measures. Scope covers substances, mixtures, and certain articles across the supply chain. Key approach: responsibility shift to industry with risk-based registration, evaluation, authorisation, and restriction.
Key Components
- Four pillars: Registration (>1 tpa threshold), Evaluation (dossier/substance checks), Authorisation (SVHC Annex XIV), Restriction (Annex XVII).
- 17 technical annexes defining data requirements, SDS rules, exemptions.
- Core principles: precaution, substitution promotion, animal testing minimization.
- Compliance model: ongoing obligations, no central certification; ECHA oversees databases/evaluations, Member States enforce.
Why Organizations Use It
Legal mandate for EU market access; avoids fines, seizures, market bans. Drives supply-chain transparency, substitution innovation, ESG alignment. Enhances risk management, occupational safety, competitive edge via safe chemistries.
Implementation Overview
Phased: gap analysis, substance inventory, dossier preparation (IUCLID), SDS/communication, monitoring. Applies to manufacturers/importers/downstream users EU-wide; high complexity for global firms. No certification; requires audits, continuous updates for Annex/Candidate List changes.
ISO 56002 Details
What It Is
ISO 56002:2019 is an international guidance standard for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an Innovation Management System (IMS). It provides a generic, non-prescriptive framework applicable to all organizations, focusing on transforming innovation into a strategic capability via the PDCA cycle.
Key Components
- Seven core clauses (4-10): context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
- Eight principles: value realization, future-focused leadership, strategic direction, culture, insights exploitation, uncertainty management, adaptability, systems thinking.
- Built on Annex SL for integration with ISO standards like 9001; no fixed controls, emphasizes tailoring; voluntary conformity, supports ISO 56001 certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives competitive advantage, resilience, and value from innovation.
- Mitigates risks like project failure, IP loss; enhances stakeholder trust.
- No legal mandate, but boosts ROI, agility, culture; ideal for SMEs to enterprises.
Implementation Overview
- Staged: diagnose, design, pilot, scale, sustain (12-18 months typical).
- Involves maturity assessments (e.g., PII), policy creation, tooling, audits.
- Universal applicability; optional external audits for validation. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | REACH | ISO 56002 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Chemicals registration, evaluation, authorisation, restriction | Innovation management system framework |
| Industry | Chemicals, manufacturing, EU/EEA-wide | All sectors, organizations globally |
| Nature | Mandatory EU regulation | Voluntary guidance standard |
| Testing | Dossier compliance checks, substance evaluations | Internal audits, management reviews |
| Penalties | Fines, product seizures by Member States | No legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about REACH and ISO 56002
REACH FAQ
ISO 56002 FAQ
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