The European Union REACH Regulation establishes the obligation to register chemical substances manufactured or imported into the EU. In this context, it is essential not only to understand the properties of a substance, but also how it is actually used in practice.
To address this, REACH introduces the so-called use descriptors, a tool that allows the different applications of a substance to be described clearly and systematically throughout its life cycle.
Use descriptors are a harmonised coding system designed to standardise the description of substance uses. This system makes it possible to provide technically precise answers to key questions such as:
This information enables a more accurate assessment of exposure and the risks associated with each use.
The use descriptor system is based on different categories, including:
| Category | What does it indicate? | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Sector of Use (SU) | Indicates the industry in which the substance is used | Manufacture of fine chemicals Agriculture, forestry and fishing Furniture manufacturing Textile, leather and fur industries, … |
| Product Category (PC) | Defines the type of product in which the substance is present | Adhesives and sealants Paints and coatings fertilizers, … |
| Process Category (PROC) | Describes how the substance is used | Use in closed processes Industrial spray application Mixing in batch processes, … |
| Article Category (AC) | Applies when the substance is present in articles | Machinery and tools Vehicles Textile products, … |
| Environmental Release Categories (ERC) | Estimate how the substance may be released into the environment | Manufacture of substances Formulation of mixtures, … |
Use descriptors are an essential tool within REACH registration because they allow companies to:
