It manages the technical and administrative aspects of the implementation of the European Union regulation called Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).

[1][3] According to a subsequent audit by the European Court of Auditors its objectives are[4]: 41  To ensure a high level of protection of human health and the environment, including the promotion of alternative methods for assessment of hazards relating to substances, as well as the free circulation of substances on the internal market while enhancing competitiveness and innovation.

To ensure that chemicals legislation and the decision making processes and scientific basis underlying it have credibility with all stakeholders and the public.

To coordinate communication concerning the REACH Regulation and in its implementation.An initial group of 40 staff seconded from Brussels began to set up the Agency in Helsinki on 1 June 2007.

[3][4] The REACH regulation requires companies to provide information on the hazards, risks and safe use of chemical substances that they manufacture or import.

However, the quality of the information held for those chemicals produced at more than 1000 tonnes per annum was in doubt, with only one third meeting legal requirements.

[13] The classification and labelling scheme introduces a globally harmonised system for categorising the hazard and handling requirements for chemicals in the EU.

The law on Prior Informed Consent (PIC) sets guidelines for the export and import of hazardous chemicals that are banned or severely restricted in the EU.

For example, the ECHA claims that trichloroethylene use in the EU has decreased by over 95% in the ten years to 2022 as a result of its authorisation process, although the alternative products that have been substituted for that chemical may themselves not be without risk.

After 5 January 2021, manufacturers, importers, and distributors of items containing SVHC at an amount greater than 0.1% by weight in their products are obliged to submit information to the database.

Other possible search terms include the international nonproprietary name (for pharmaceutical drugs), the ISO common name (for agrochemicals) or the IUPAC name.