REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) is a European Union Directive of 18 December 2006, formally called (EC) No. 1907/2006 on the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals. The main purpose of the Regulation is to improve knowledge of the risks arising from the use of existing (entered the market before September 1981) and new (after September 1981) 1981) chemicals and at the same time to maintain and enhance competitiveness and innovation in the European chemical industry.