what is the history of REACH?

• 1995 to 2000 - Ongoing discussions and negotiations between EU Commission and Industry representatives
• February 2001 - The EU Commission develops its “White Paper”
• October 2003 - EU Commission issues the Legislative Proposal
• November 2005 - European Parliament (EP) discusses proposal during the 1st Reading
• December 2005 - Council of Ministers of the Member States agree on a Political Agreement
• June 2006- Common Position adopted by the Council
• October 2006 - EP Environmental Committee makes recommendations for 2nd Reading
• November 2006 - Development of political compromise between EP and Council
• December 2006 - Compromise adopted by the EP during the 2nd Reading and by the Council
• June 2007- REACH entered into force: final Legislative Act directly applicable at National levels in all EU Member States