Communication in the supply chain

Actors in the supply chain can have a number of roles, and maybe even multiple roles. Depending on your role, you have different obligations, and there may be different tools and information that support you. These are described in the pages associated with each role.

Effective communication between downstream users and suppliers at all stages in the REACH process helps to ensure that relevant information is provided in the supply chain.

When downstream users provide information regarding their uses and conditions of use to their suppliers, registrants can base the exposure scenarios in their chemical safety assessment on this information. Consequently, the advice on safe use that the registrant communicates to downstream users is likely to be relevant and realistic.

Communication tools

Industry sector organisations, Member States, and ECHA have worked together to improve and harmonise communication in the supply chain as part of the CSR/ES Roadmap and the Exchange Network on Exposure Scenarios (ENES). For communication upstream, "use maps" have been developed to provide information to registrants, often through sector organisations.

For communication downstream, a number of elements have been developed: exposure scenario templates have been agreed for substances; safe use of mixture information (SUMI) templates have been agreed for mixtures; phrases and IT communication of exposure scenarios have been harmonised; a methodology has been developed for identifying the lead component in mixtures.




This interactive graphic currently addresses the formulators of chemical products. Versions for other user groups are planned.