Chemicals

Air and Environmental Quality Unit develops policy and legislation relating to the control of chemicals and substances which are hazardous to the environment. Current legislation includes the UK-wide regulations on:

- Mercury - The Mercury Export and Data (Enforcement) Regulations 2010

- Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) - The Persistent Organic Pollutants Regulations 2007  

REACH

Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and restriction of CHemicals - Regulation (EC) 1907/2006

REACH aims to provide a high level of protection to human health and to the environment by ensuring the comprehensive assessment of chemical substances in use, and the prohibition or control of dangerous substances.

The legal remit for REACH enforcement across the UK is provided by the REACH Enforcement Regulations 2008 No. 2852 which came into force on 1 December 2008.

In Northern Ireland REACH is jointly enforced by the Health and Safety Executive (N.I.), District Councils and the Northern Ireland Environment Agency.

More information on REACH enforcement and requirements can be found at the NI Environment Agency REACH page ; and Health & Safety Executive NI REACH page

Should you require further information, please feel free to contact the Air and Environmental Quality Team at:

Air and Environmental Quality Team
Department of the Environment
Goodwood House
44 - 58 May Street
Belfast BT1 4NN

E-mail: aeqteam@doeni.gov.uk
Tel.: (028) 90 254 758.