The main actors in the restriction process are:

1. Submitter (Member State or ECHA)

The submitter of a restriction dossier can either be a Member State or ECHA, if asked by the Commission. ECHA can also propose a restriction on articles containing substances that are on the Authorisation List (Annex XIV).

2. Interested parties

Interested parties are citizens, organisations, companies as well as authorities other than the submitter. They can be from the EU or elsewhere. They may provide comments and information during the public consultation.

3. ECHA

3.1 Secretariat

The ECHA Secretariat supports the Committees and the Forum by providing the best possible scientific, technical and regulatory services in an efficient and transparent way.

3.2 Committees and the Forum

3.2.1 Committee for Risk Assessment  (RAC)

RAC formulates an opinion on whether the suggested restrictions are appropriate in reducing the risk to human health and/or the environment based on its consideration of the relevant parts of the restriction dossier and the comments submitted by interested parties.

3.2.2 Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC)

SEAC formulates an opinion on the suggested restriction and its socio-economic impact, based on its consideration of the relevant parts of the restriction dossier and the socio-economic impacts. When formulating its opinion, SEAC also takes into account the comments and socio-economic analyses submitted by interested parties.

3.2.3 The Forum for the Exchange of Information on Enforcement (the Forum)

The Forum may provide advice on the enforceability of the restriction proposal.

4. European Commission

The opinions of RAC and SEAC are sent to the European Commission. The Commission prepares a draft amendment to the list of restrictions, which are contained in Annex XVII to the REACH Regulation.

If the Council or the European Parliament do not oppose the amendment (using a process called "Regulatory committee with scrutiny"), the Commission adopts the decision and adds the restriction to Annex XVII.

5. Industry

Once the restriction has been adopted industry needs to comply with it. Industry refers to anyone addressed in the restriction, such as manufacturers, importers, distributors, downstream users or retailers.

6. Member States

The Member States are responsible for enforcing the restrictions.