What is a REACH and CLP inspection?
Under the REACH and CLP Regulations, the competent authorities of each European Union Member State carry out periodic inspections to verify that companies are properly complying with their obligations.
Their objective is to ensure that companies manufacture, import and use chemical substances and mixtures safely and in accordance with current legislation.
During these inspections, common non-compliances are frequently identified, which may lead to penalties, supply chain disruptions or even loss of market access.
These inspections may include on-site visits and focus on verifying that technical information, labelling and substance management comply with regulatory requirements.
What is reviewed during an inspection?
During an inspection, authorities may review aspects such as:
- The adequacy and update status of the REACH registration
- Consistency between the actual use of the substance and the uses declared in the registration dossier
- Availability of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) compliant with current legislation
- Compliance with classification, labelling and packaging requirements under the CLP Regulation
- Notification of hazardous mixtures to Poison Centres
- Compliance with restrictions (Annex XVII) and authorisations (Annex XIV) under REACH
- Availability of technical documentation supporting compliance
Common issues identified
Some of the most frequent non-conformities identified during these inspections include:
- Outdated REACH registrations
- Inconsistencies between the REACH registration dossier and the actual use of the product
- Deficiencies in hazard communication throughout the supply chain (for example, outdated or incomplete Safety Data Sheets, or SDS not available in the official language of the country)
- Incorrect classification or labelling under the CLP Regulation
- Improper use of restricted or authorised substances
How to prepare proactively
Proper preparation is key to successfully facing an inspection. Reviewing documentation in advance allows companies to identify potential deviations and correct them before an official visit by the authorities.
n this context, at ServiREACH we offer the possibility of carrying out a mock REACH and CLP inspection, where the company’s situation is analysed as if it were a real inspection.
This exercise allows companies to:
- Identify potential non-compliances or weak points
- Detect inconsistencies before an official inspection
- Improve regulatory preparedness and compliance confidence
REACH inspections are part of routine regulatory enforcement within the European Union. Being prepared is the best way to address them with confidence.
