REACH is an European regulation. Therefore non-European companies can comply with this regulation only through a European legal entity who shall act as their “only representative” (OR). It is desired that an OR should have fair knowledge of the REACH regulation and should be able to assist the companies to fulfill all the essential requirements of the REACH regulation.

The OR is a vital link between the non-European companies and the ECHA. An OR can represent more than one company. It is expected that the OR and the companies that he represents shall work in close co-operation to ensure REACH compliance.

It is important to note that when an OR is appointed by the non-European companies the export route does not change; with the non-European companies directly exporting to their European buyers. The European buyers are treated as the “downstream users” of the OR and it is mandatory for the OR to have details pertaining to all his downstream users as mandated within the law.