HelpNet
The REACH and CLP Helpdesk Network (HelpNet) consists of helpdesks, established in accordance with the REACH and CLP Regulations, and ECHA. The Regulations stipulate that Member States shall establish national helpdesks for advising companies on their responsibilities and obligations.
The national REACH and CLP helpdesks (of the 27 Member States, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway) and ECHA form the HelpNet Steering Group. The European Commission is an associated member. The HelpNet Steering Group has also observers from EU-wide helpdesks operated by industry stakeholders as well as observers representing EU candidate countries and potential candidates. More additional experts may provide support to the members of the HelpNet Steering Group.
The key task of the HelpNet is to ensure consistent and harmonised advice by the national helpdesks to manufacturers, importers, suppliers, downstream users and any other interested parties on their responsibilities and obligations under the REACH and CLP Regulations. HelpNet proposes and agrees on questions and answers to be published as Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on the ECHA website.
The HelpNet Secretariat, provided by the Helpdesk Unit, organises face-to-face meetings, interactive training sessions and webinars. It also offers a secure web-based discussion platform, called the HelpNet Exchange (HelpEx), which allows HelpNet members to discuss difficult questions, to cooperate and to support one another on a daily basis.
A visiting programme of ECHA Helpdesk staff to national helpdesks, joint awareness campaigns, and the exchange of best practises among helpdesks fosters the HelpNet cooperation.