The new EU regulation on the Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemical substances (REACH), which went into effect on 1 June 2007, requires comprehensive documentation and registration of substances that are produced in or imported to the EU in quantities of more than one tonne per year. In the scope of registration, data is compiled on physical, chemical, human toxicological and ecotoxicological properties.

The REACH Regulation’s first registration deadline was 1 December 2010. Aurubis transferred the registration dossiers to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) successfully and on time.

This regulation continues to represent a significant administrative process for Aurubis. In Hamburg, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Labour set up the REACH Hamburg Network (www.reach.hamburg.de) so as to ensure the timely implementation of REACH and to support small and medium-sized businesses in particular. Aurubis Hamburg is actively involved in this REACH Network. Public financing from Hamburg’s budget ended with the first registration deadline at the end of 2010. The network has been successfully financed by the participating companies since then, including Aurubis.

As in many sectors of environmental protection, Aurubis has also adopted a pioneer role as regards REACH in the EU copper industry – for example as the leading registrant in the copper sector.