2. Who you report a concern to
The table below will help you find out which of the authorities you should report a concern with the UK Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals Regulation (UK REACH) to in Great Britain (GB).
If your concern relates to the EU Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals Regulation (EU REACH) in Northern Ireland – please visit the HSE NI website.
| If the incident / concern involves... | ...it should be reported to... |
|---|---|
| People For example, where use of a chemical poses risks to workers, consumers or other people, including uses outside the conditions of a restriction or without authorisation |
either HSE - Reporting an incident or concern or your local authority, depending on the type of place involved - see a full list of places and who has the enforcing responsibility |
| The environment For example, where use of a chemical poses risks to the environment, including uses outside the conditions of a restriction or without authorisation |
Environment Agency in England Telephone: 0800 80 70 60 |
| Natural Resources Wales in Wales Telephone: 0300 065 3000 |
|
| Scottish Environment Protection Agency in Scotland Telephone: 03000 99 66 99 |
|
| Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) for offshore installations | |
| Nuclear sites | Office for Nuclear Regulation |
| Rail networks | Office of Rail and Road |
| Registration or evaluation for example, concern that a chemical does not have the necessary registration or evaluation |
HSE- Reporting an incident or concern |
| Trade-to-trade sale For example, wholesale supply, including issues concerning authorisation and restriction relevant to such supply |
HSE- Reporting an incident or concern |
| Retail sale For example, online and in physical stores, including issues concerning authorisation and restriction relevant to such supply |
your local Trading Standards office |
If you are still not sure which enforcing authority you should report to, don't worry! All enforcing authorities work together, so we will make sure your report gets to the right place.
Other ways the enforcing authorities work together include:
- sharing information - for example, HSE can provide other authorities with:
- advice on UK REACH, and on how individual products / chemicals are affected by it
- details of the registration / authorisation status of individual products and the conditions placed on them
- supporting prosecutions – for example by providing witness statements
The enforcing authorities may also work with other authorities, including:
- UK Border Force - to detain goods on import
- HM Revenue and Customs - to access documentation and information relating to imports
- Home Office - to minimise animal testing
Enforcement Liaison Group (ELG)
The Enforcement Liaison Group (ELG) is a means of further strengthening co-operation and co-ordination between the enforcing authorities for UK REACH. It supports enforcement action through:
- sharing information
- arranging joint visits
- notifying matters of concern
The ELG is made up of representatives from each of the UK REACH enforcing authorities, as well as a number of other authorities with an interest in the enforcement of UK REACH. It usually meets at least once per year to:
- discuss topics including:
- emerging enforcement issues
- grey areas
- interpretation of the law
- identify lessons learnt and best practice
- propose amendments to guidance based on practical experience
- determine priority substances and / or issues - proposing and co-ordinating enforcement activity on these where possible
For agendas and minutes of meetings of the Enforcement Liaison Group since November 2008, please contact us at [email protected].