REACH Regulations Promulgated &Nbsp; Shoe Manufacturers Face Big Challenges.

August 11th news reporter recently learned from relevant departments, the European Union

Relevant departments remind relevant enterprises to familiarise themselves with REACH regulations as soon as possible and to cope with them ahead of schedule, and intensify efforts to develop new potentials.

The cost of only one inspection fee will increase the cost of exporting shoes to Fujian by more than 5%, which does not include the cost increase of new materials for enterprises to meet the new environmental requirements.

It is reported that according to the EU REACH regulations, the first batch of export chemical enterprises (annual export volume is greater than 1000 tons) must be registered before November 30, 2010, otherwise they will be rejected by the European Union.

At the same time, various restrictive measures for downstream products of the REACH regulations have been gradually launched. As of March 8, 2010, 38 high attention substances (SVHC) have been put into effect. The downstream enterprises such as the European footwear industry should inform the products of high attention substances contained in the products according to the EU's timetable.

Shoemaking involves more chemical species and complex material components. From raw materials to finished products, chemicals are used in almost every production process, and the production process may involve multiple enterprises, and the sources of chemical raw materials also involve different channels.

According to the REACH regulations, manufacturers and importers must submit the registration information of raw materials to the EU chemicals authority, otherwise they will not be sold in the EU market.

The basic registration and assessment cost of a chemical substance is about 85 thousand euros, and the individual needs 575 thousand euros.

"Conservative estimates, the increased cost will increase the export cost of footwear enterprises by more than 5%."

An official of Fujian inspection and Quarantine Bureau told the times.

The implementation of the new regulations will also force enterprises to seek higher standards.

Wu Hui, general manager of Quanzhou Nan Qi Shoes Co., Ltd. roughly calculates that the cost of each pair of shoes will rise by at least 2 yuan.

Zhang Xiaoqi, executive vice chairman of Fujian Shishi Lin Sen shoes and clothing Development Co., Ltd. predicts that the cost of each pair of shoes will increase by 3 to 5 yuan.

The EU is the second largest market for footwear exports in Putian.

Putian inspection and Quarantine Bureau said, "at present, Putian's shoe-making enterprises are basically private enterprises, with small profits. If we increase the relevant testing efforts, we will increase the cost and cause a decline in competitiveness, which is likely to cause their products to be forced to withdraw from the EU market."

This statement actually reflects the serious impact of REACH regulations on the footwear industry of Fujian as a whole.

The best way to overcome REACH barriers

As soon as the relevant footwear companies are familiar with the contents of REACH regulations and carry out relevant data detection, we should actively explore potential markets such as ASEAN and the Americas.