Ukraine REACH: Timeline And Deadlines For Compliance With New Chemical Safety Rules

In a significant move aimed at enhancing the safety and regulation of chemical products in Ukraine, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved a new Technical Regulation on Chemical Safety, effective from January 2025. This decision, formalized through Resolution No. 847, marks a critical step in aligning Ukraine's regulatory framework with international standards and ensuring the protection of public health and the environment.

Comprehensive Safety Requirements

The newly approved Technical Regulation sets forth comprehensive safety requirements for chemical products available in the Ukrainian market. According to the resolution, chemical products already in circulation before the regulation's enforcement must comply with the new standards within a year. However, certain exemptions have been provided for existing chemical substances based on their production volume and associated risks.

Key Dates And Deadlines

The regulation will officially come into force on 26 January 2025, marking the beginning of the pre-registration phase, which will extend until 26 January 2026. This phase is crucial for companies dealing with chemical products to ensure compliance with the new requirements.

Registration Deadlines

1 October 2026:Chemical substances produced or imported at volumes of ≥1,000 tonnes per year.Carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction (CMR) substances in categories 1A and 1B at ≥1 tonne per year.Substances very toxic to aquatic organisms at ≥100 tonnes per year.1 June 2028:Chemical substances produced or imported at volumes of 100–1,000 tonnes per year.1 March 2030:Chemical substances produced or imported at volumes of 1–100 tonnes per year.

Authorisation Deadlines

Additionally, all 59 entries listed in Annex XIV related to authorisation have a latest application date (LAD) of 1 April 2027, with a sunset date (SSD) of 1 June 2027. These dates are critical for substances requiring specific authorisation to continue being used or marketed within Ukraine.

Focus On High-Risk Chemicals

The regulation specifically targets high-risk chemicals, including those classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction (categories 1A and 1B), as well as substances posing significant risks to aquatic ecosystems. Such chemicals, produced in volumes of one tonne or more annually, must adhere to the regulation's stringent safety criteria without delay.

Implementation And Oversight

To facilitate the implementation of the Technical Regulation, the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources has been tasked with overseeing the rollout of these new safety standards. Furthermore, all relevant ministries and central executive bodies have been instructed to align their regulatory acts with the new provisions.

A Commitment To Public Health And Environmental Protection

The introduction of this regulation is part of Ukraine's broader efforts to enhance environmental safety and public health, ensuring that the chemical industry operates within a framework that prioritizes the well-being of its citizens and the natural environment.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal emphasized the importance of this regulation in a statement, underscoring the government's commitment to strengthening Ukraine's regulatory landscape in line with global best practices.

Looking Forward

This resolution is set to come into effect six months from its official publication, giving stakeholders time to adapt to the new requirements and ensure full compliance by the stipulated deadlines.

As Ukraine continues to advance its regulatory frameworks, this Technical Regulation represents a pivotal step towards a safer and more sustainable future for the nation's chemical industry.