Mixtures
A mixture is a mix or solution of two or more substances. Under the EU chemicals legislation, mixtures are not considered substances.
When chemical compounds A and B are put together and do not react, this is not a substance but a mixture.

Mixtures can be:

• Shampoos and soaps,
• Other cosmetics,
• Detergents and
• Paints.

If you are producing or importing a mixture, you need to register each individual substance in your mixture if you produce or import it at one tonne or more per year.
If you are a formulator who mixes the individual substances to produce the mixture, you do not need to register each substance under REACH unless you are also a manufacturer or importer of the individual substances contained in the mixture.

Articles
You may use substances to produce things that have a special shape, surface or design. If the special shape, surface or design determines the function to a greater degree than the chemical composition, they are called articles under the legislation.
Chemical compounds A and B are put together to produce an article.

Articles can be:

• pencils (crayons),
• bicycles
• guitars
• batteries
• T-shirts and
• CDs.

If you are producing or importing an article, you need to register each individual substance in an article:

• if the substance is present in the article in quantities of more than one tonne per year; and
• if the substance is intended to be released under normal conditions of use, for example a t-shirt containing a fragrance
• if the substance in your article has already been registered for the same use, you do not need to register it as well.

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