Chemical legislation has been redefined on an EU level by the REACH regulations. REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals#.
The EU regulations have been in force since 01.06.2007 and apply in all EU member states.
Manufacturers and importers of chemicals are now responsible for the safety of their substances and compounds. They must guarantee that their substances and compounds can be safely handled for all uses. Insufficiently researched chemicals may no longer be placed on the market. Different transition periods have been established depending on the hazardousness and annual quantity of the chemicals produced.
An important aspect of REACH is the transmission of information throughout the entire supply chain.
The European Chemicals Agency, the ECHA, based in Helsinki has been established as the central authority.

In addition to the area of validity for substances and compounds, the REACH regulations also cover products.
Manufacturers and importers must provide information on whether their products contain more than 0.1 percent by mass of alarming materials. The list of alarming materials is published and regularly updated by the ECHA.
Karstadt is facing up to the challenge and has introduced the necessary measures.

For any questions relating to the new REACH chemical legislation at Karstadt please go to: REACH@karstadt.de

More information:

The current list of materials classified by the EU as alarming is available at:
http://echa.europa.eu/chem_data/candidate_list_table_en.asp