How much does it cost to register a substance under REACH?

The REACH Regulation requires chemical substances manufactured or imported into the European Union in quantities of one tonne or more per year to be registered. However, one of the most common questions companies ask is: how much does this registration cost?

There is no single fixed cost, as it depends on different technical, administrative and economic factors.

Factors that influence the registration cost

The cost of registering a substance under REACH may vary mainly depending on:

• The tonnage band of the substance: 1-10 t/year, 10-100 t/year, 100-1,000 t/year or more than 1,000 t/year.
• The size of the company, as fee reductions are available for SMEs.
• Participation in a joint submission.
• The need to access existing data through a Letter of Access, or LoA

Characterisation testing

Before starting the REACH registration process, it is necessary to correctly determine the identity of the substance. This usually requires characterisation testing.

The cost of these tests will depend on the analytical techniques needed to properly identify the substance and meet the dossier requirements.

Joint submissions and Letter of Access

Once the substance has been identified, the next step is to proceed with its registration.

Under REACH, companies that manufacture or import the same substance must participate in a joint submission, coordinated by a Lead Registrant. This role is responsible for centralising the common information in the dossier.

To use the data shared within that joint submission, companies must acquire a Letter of Access (LoA). This document allows them to refer to the studies and information already submitted in the common dossier.

The cost of the LoA may vary depending on several factors, such as the substance, the tonnage band, the number of co-registrants, the amount and type of data available, as well as the agreements established between the participating companies.

Registration fees payable to ECHA

Registration fees are regulated by Regulation (EC) No 340/2008 and its subsequent amendments, as well as by Article 74 of the REACH Regulation.

The system establishes proportional fees based on the volume of the substance, the size of the company and the registration conditions.

REACH also provides for:

• Fee reductions for SMEs
• Additional fees if confidentiality is requested for certain information in the dossier

What should companies take into account?

Before starting a REACH registration, it is essential to assess not only the technical requirements of the dossier, but also all the components that may influence the final cost.

Among the most relevant aspects are participation in the joint submission and the acquisition of the Letter of Access, as both can have a significant impact on the registration budget.

If you need help determining the registration costs of your substance under REACH, we can support you in analysing the applicable requirements, planning the dossier and estimating the costs associated with the process. Calculate the costs of your REACH registration for free here.