A CROSS Hills-based firm is urging businesses to make sure they comply with new rules governing use of chemicals.

Airedale Chemical has advised companies in the manufacturing, cleaning, waste management and agricultural industries to prepare for a looming deadline for the EU’s latest regulation on chemical use, which is called Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).

REACH intends all chemicals imported into the EU or European Economic Area to be registered, tested and authorised by the European Chemicals Agency, and is likely to affect all kinds of businesses. The deadline for the final phase of implementation is June 1.

Elaine O’Neill, market manager for surfactants at Airedale Chemical, said businesses should address the issue sooner rather than later.

“REACH doesn't discriminate and applies to small businesses just as it does to large and multi-national companies," she said.

"Although there are a few exceptions in the case of substances such as waste, radioactive material and those used in the interests of defence, almost everything else is likely to be affected in some way by these regulations.

“Some chemical suppliers are likely to decide against applying for REACH approval due to financial or time restraints, so it would be a mistake for a company to assume their supplier will be registering the substances they rely on.

"Now is the time for companies to check if their supplier intends to continue with its full repertoire of chemicals in order to keep their operations running seamlessly."