REACH Regulation & Silicon Dioxide: Quality You Can Count On.
Learn how the REACH Regulation governs the use of silica and what requirements are important for manufacturers, distributors, and users.
Understanding REACH.
Why is REACH important to you as an end customer?
EU Regulation No. 1907/2006: No data – no market.
- In the EU, only substances that are adequately documented may be placed on the market.
- To this end, the properties, risks, and safe handling of the substance must be clearly regulated.
- Failure to comply with these regulations may result in heavy fines for illegal imports.
What happens in the REACH process?
- Registration: Manufacturers and importers must register substances with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) if more than 1 metric ton per year is imported into or produced in the EU.
- Evaluation: ECHA and member states review registrations
- Authorization: Substances of concern may only be used with special authorization.
- Restriction: Substances with potential hazards may be banned entirely or in part.
Who is responsible for implementation?
A distinction is made between three groups:
Non-EU Manufacturer
Producer outside of the EU
- Must provide information on safe use in the form of safety data sheets
EU Importer and Manufacturer
For quantities exceeding one ton per year
- Must register imported or manufactured substances with ECHA
- Have to provide information on safe use in the form of safety data sheets and documentations
Downstream User
End users or dealers who are neither manufacturers nor importers
- Are generally not subject to REACH registration requirements.
- Must follow and implement safety data sheets provided.
- May handle and distribute products, using them safely in accordance with regulations.
- Must ensure that scope of application is covered in the registration dossier.
- May need to prepare their own exposure scenarios and safety reports.
What are the benefits for you as a customer?
Non-compliant supplier
High administrative costs
Eine Zertifizierung erfordert umfassende Dokumentationen, Datenblätter und Stoffanalysen.
Registration and consulting fees
Registration involves high fees and external consulting costs.
Lead times for imports
Due to the complex requirements, the import process can be significantly delayed by REACH.
GIEBEL REACH-compliant silica gel
Greater security & clarity
Eine Zertifizierung erfordert umfassende Dokumentationen, Datenblätter und Stoffanalysen.
No hidden risks
Full disclosure of ingredients and risk assessments means that there are no unexpected liability risks.
Clear labeling and documentation
All REACH-certified substances are clearly documented and labeled.
GIEBEL is REACH-compliant (SiO₂).
GIEBEL is a member of the joint registration under number 01-2119379499-16-XXXX.
Our promise
We stand for transparency, responsibility, and quality. As a REACH-compliant company, we actively support our customers in using silica gel products safely and in compliance with the law. Trust in tested chemicals and a transparent supply chain—for your safety.
ECHA Documentation
Companies that manufacture or import chemicals in the EU must register these substances and submit information on their properties, uses, and risk management measures to ECHA.
Importing Large Quantities
Silicon dioxide is a versatile substance that is widely used as a desiccant. As soon as more than one metric ton of silicon dioxide is imported into the EU per year, specific requirements must be met.
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FAQ - your questions, answered.
REACH is an EU regulation designed to make the use of chemicals safer for humans, animals, and the environment.
No, amorphous silicon dioxide – as found in silica gel – is non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, and safe to handle, provided it is not inhaled continuously in the form of fine dust. Only crystalline, respirable silicon dioxide, as found in quartz or construction dust, is dangerous. Those who use silica gel products as desiccants can do so safely and without hesitation, especially if the material is certified.
Always follow the instructions in the safety data sheets.
No, we take responsibility and provide all the necessary information and documents.
Giebel is a member of the joint registration under number 01-2119379499-16-XXXX. We are therefore certified to import silica in large quantities.
You can view our registration on the following website under “Dossiers” – “REACH registrations”:
Pure silica gel is SVHC-free and REACH-compliant. We only offer high-quality silica gel products and provide corresponding certificates of REACH compliance and SVHC-free status. This ensures that the material is safe for humans, the environment, and industrial applications.