Enforcement Forum finds non-compliance in imported substances, mixtures and products
The effective enforcement of the EU’s chemicals legislation is increasingly challenged by the growing volume of non-REACH-compliant products entering the European market. Globalised supply chains, complex product compositions and the rapid rise of e-commerce have made it easier for textiles, apparel and other consumer goods containing restricted or non-registered substances to cross EU borders undetected. These non-compliant imports pose risks not only to consumer health and the environment, but also to fair competition for EU-based companies that invest in compliance.
In this context, customs authorities face significant constraints. Limited resources and the sheer diversity of imported goods make systematic controls impractical, underlining the need for more targeted, risk-based inspection strategies. By focusing controls on high-risk products, origins and supply chains, customs can significantly improve detection rates while using inspection capacities more efficiently. Such an approach requires robust technical knowledge, up-to-date intelligence on emerging chemical risks and access to reliable analytical capabilities.
ECHA Report
Source: ECHA/NR/25/43
An EU-wide targeted enforcement project checking imported substances found that one out of three of substances in mixtures was missing a REACH registration. In addition, restricted hazardous substances were present in some of the imported consumer products above the allowed limits.
Inspectors across 29 EEA countries carried out 2,603 targeted checks on imports to verify compliance with the EU chemicals legislation REACH, covering registration, restrictions, and authorisation requirements.
The project results highlight the importance of a well-informed and carefully designed sampling and targeting strategy for enforcement activities. They also show that importers must understand their REACH obligations before importing goods. Importers should obtain analytical reports or other evidence demonstrating compliance. These and further recommendations are detailed in the report.
Almost all non-compliant products identified before release for free circulation were either denied entry to the EEA market or allowed only after corrective measures were implemented.
On a total of 2603 inspections, Belgium performed no less than 428!
Centexbel brings expertise to this challenge!
As a specialised research and testing centre for textiles and consumer goods, Centexbel has extensive experience in REACH compliance assessment, chemical risk evaluation and advanced laboratory analysis. Through close collaboration with authorities, industry and enforcement bodies, Centexbel supports the development of risk-based inspection methodologies, provides scientific backing for customs controls and helps identify non-compliant products before they reach EU consumers.
This combination of regulatory insight, sector-specific knowledge and analytical excellence makes Centexbel a key partner in strengthening REACH enforcement at the EU’s external borders.
