The EU REACH Regulation entered into force on June 1 2007. REACH stands for Registration Evaluation and Authorization of CHemicals. REACH replaces the European legislation on existing substances (93/793/EC). The EU Chemicals Agency (ECHA) based in Helsinki, Finland is overseeing and administering 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 are or will be registered.