Transitional applications for authorisation (UK REACH)

Updated 19 June 2023

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Authorisation is the process under UK REACH that phases out the use of hazardous substances of very high concern (SVHCs). It ensures that these SVHCs are progressively replaced by safer alternatives. Granting an authorisation allows the use of substances on the authorisation list to continue temporarily when the relevant criteria are met.

UK REACH contains transitional measures for authorisation applications that were submitted by GB-based companies under EU REACH. If the application was at the final decision stage before the end of the transition period it can be submitted directly to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to make a decision. The Secretary of State’s decisions are published on the authorisation decisions page.

This applies to applications where the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) had adopted final opinions but the European Commission had not made a final decision before 31 December 2020. Consent from the Scottish ministers and Welsh ministers is required for these decisions where the matter relates to devolved competence.

Further information about this UK REACH transitional measure is on the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website.

Non-confidential documents relating to each application, including ECHA’s opinions, are on the ECHA website. Links are in the table under ‘Description of use’. Access to these documents is free of charge and not exclusive. See terms and conditions of use for ECHA’s website.