The Consequences of REACH for SMEs

REACH is widely regarded as expensive by Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs).

  • The overall (direct) cost estimates of REACH specified in the 29 October 2003 Impact Assessment turned out to be an underestimate by nearly one half.
  • By 2012 the difference added up to around EUR 1 billion; by 2018 this might have gone up to EUR 1.5 billion or possibly much more.

REACH might well lead to changes in market structure.

  • Withdrawals of some chemicals may have consequences in this respect, but the complaints are also about price increases and about the risk of losing market share vis-a-vis non-EU producers.

The perceived added value of REACH for SMEs, so far, is very limited.

  • It remains to be seen how the overall SME-landscape in the chemical sector will look like after the third final deadline for registration in 2018.

The Consequences of REACH for SMEs report examines the consequences of REACH legislation for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs) since its entry into force in June 2007.

  • It looks at impacts on the internal organisation of firms (including human resources), on strategy and on business activities.
  • It also assess the experience of SMEs with available support and the perceived added value of REACH for SMEs.

Source: – European Parliament
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