EU REACH Only Representative

Access the EU-27 market with a trusted EU REACH only representative

If you are a substance manufacturer or product formulator based outside the European Union, including if you are based in England Scotland or Wales, you will need to appoint an Only Representative operating within the EU to access the EU-27 market.

ACRE’s Northern Ireland entity which operates within the EU-27 can provide support as your no-nonsense EU REACH Only Representative. By appointing ACRE as your EU OR, you can pass your EU REACH responsibilities to us and directly supply customers in the EU-27 rather than expect your customers to take on the EU REACH responsibilities themselves. This helps protect continued access to the EU-27 market and makes life easier for your customers.

What our only representative services involve

Our services are designed for non-EU manufacturers that do not have an EU legal entity but still need a legal entity that can REACH register within the EU to supply the EU under EU REACH.

In practice, we take on the agreed EU REACH obligations within a clearly defined scope. We manage the required information, handle regulatory interactions, and provide a consistent, long-term approach that reduces uncertainty for you and your supply chain.

What’s included

Our Only Representative role typically covers:

  • Acting as your EU-based Only Representative under EU REACH
  • Being the recognised point of contact for regulators and downstream users
  • Supporting regulatory communication and responding to enquiries
  • Coordinating information linked to substance registrations and updates
  • Maintaining oversight of agreed substance portfolios

We agree the scope at the start, so responsibilities stay clear and manageable.

The difference this makes

Appointing an Only Representative gives non-EU manufacturers a practical way to manage EU REACH obligations and maintain access to the EU-27 market. It simplifies communication with regulators and provides a single, consistent point of contact for your customers and partners.

This clarity helps build commercial confidence. Customers know that regulatory responsibilities are being handled properly, which supports long-term trading relationships.

What working with us looks like

  • Step 1

    Confirm the right approach

    We begin by confirming whether an Only Representative is the right approach for your business and by agreeing the scope of the role.

  • Step 2

    Set up straightforward processes

    From there, we set up straightforward processes so information and questions can be handled smoothly as part of day-to-day operations.

  • Step 3

    Tailored long-term support

    Our support is tailored to your requirements for the long-term because having a stable arrangement in place helps, build trust with your clients, ensures compliance and reduces the risk of disruption to your EU market access.

Frequently asked questions

  • If you are a manufacturer or formulator not based in the EU, your EU-based customers normally hold the EU REACH obligations for the substances they bring into the European Union. Appointing an Only Representative operating within the EU is optional, but it allows you to centralise those responsibilities instead of placing them on each importer. Many manufacturers choose this route to reduce the burden on customers and maintain consistent access to the EU market.

  • An EU Only Representative acts as your designated EU contact. This includes coordinating regulatory communication, supporting downstream users, and helping information move smoothly through the supply chain.

  • We usually ask for information on your substances, supply routes, volumes, intended uses, and any existing regulatory documentation. This helps us define the scope properly and set up communication processes from the start.

  • We can also provide GB-based Only Representative service. See our UK REACH OR services page and contact us with any questions.

Ready for clearer direction and confident decisions?

Let’s talk about the right support model for you, whether that is a defined project or ongoing advice.

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