News Brief

Recently, the potential rise in EU REACH registration administrative fees has continued to draw industry attention. According to the latest updates, the European Commission has formally submitted the amendment to the REACH Committee for review, marking a critical phase in the discussion of this proposal.

The latest proposal indicates that REACH registration administrative fees will increase by 19.5%, alongside an optimized verification process for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Once adopted, the regulation will enter into force 20 days after publication in the EU Official Journal, while the new SME verification rules will only apply 15 months later, giving companies time to adjust systems and processes.

Charge Adjustment: Inflation-linked, 19.5% Increase

To address recent inflationary pressures, the EU plans to raise REACH registration charges by 19.5% (based on cumulative inflation from 2021 to 2023), though SMEs will remain unaffected. Key adjustments are as follows:

SME Verification Process Reform: From "Post-Review" to "Pre-Certification"  

- Advance Application: Companies must apply for SME status at least two months before fee-liable submission and provide supporting documents. ECHA will issue decisions within two months.

- Three-Year Validity: Once certified, the SME status applies to all relevant EU legislation (e.g., CLP, BPR) and remains valid for three years.

- Administrative Fee Waiver: ECHA may charge an administrative fee for the SME verification process. However, it is waived if the SME status is confirmed.

Important Recommendations from REACH24H

The increase in REACH fees is inevitable, and the SME verification process is set for significant changes. REACH24H advises the following:

• Monitor Legislative Developments: The amendment has not yet been finalized. The outcome of the REACH Committee's review will determine the implementation timeline, so stay updated on relevant developments.

• Plan Registrations in Advance: If the amendment passes, the fee hike will impact future costs. Budget accordingly for mid-to-long-term registration plans.

• SMEs Should Prepare Early: If applying for SME fee reductions, ensure you prepare and submit the SME verification application at least two months in advance.

REACH24H will continue to monitor the latest updates on the REACH fee revision and provide timely professional interpretations and support to ensure your company can smoothly adapt to these regulatory changes.

If you have any questions in this regard or about EU REACH compliance, please feel free to contact us at customer@reach24h.com.