The EU REACH Regulation entered into force on June 1 2007. REACH stands for Registration Evaluation and Authorization of CHemicals.

REACH will replace the current European legislation on existing substances (93/793/EC).

The EU Chemicals Agency (ECHA) based in Helsinki, Finland will oversee and administer the whole program.

All substances, such as cadmium metal, alloys and compounds (cadmium oxide, nitrates, pigments, etc.) manufactured in Europe and/or imported into Europe will be required to be registered. Presently, zinc-cadmium concentrates when not chemically modified seem to be exempted from the obligation to be registered.