Understanding REACH Chemical Compliance
17 Mar 2026
10:00 - 13:00
Venue: FIRA International, Unit 3, Cockerel Close, Stevenage, SG1 2NB
Contact us
+44 (0)1438 777 700REACH legislation has been in place for twenty years, but it continues to evolve—bringing new chemical restrictions, updated requirements, and increasing expectations for supply chain due diligence.
This half‑day course provides essential, up‑to‑date knowledge to help businesses understand and meet their legal obligations under both UK and EU REACH. It is designed for anyone involved in manufacturing, importing, specifying, or managing compliance within the furniture and furnishings sector.
You’ll gain a clear understanding of when REACH applies, how to manage chemical risk in the supply chain, and how testing can support robust compliance.
The course also covers the differences between UK and EU regulations to help organisations navigate both markets confidently.
Programme
10.00 Welcome and introductions
- The background and purpose of REACH legislation
- The latest Annex XVII restrictions
- How Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) are identified and managed
- The role of testing in demonstrating compliance
- Key considerations for FR chemicals
- Practical steps for maintaining due diligence across the supply chain
- The differences between UK REACH and EU REACH
13:00 Lunch (included)
Tour of Fira International testing facilities (optional)
Pricing
Furniture Industry Research Association members: £300+VAT
Non-members: £350+VAT
About the Trainer
This course is led by John Hubbard CChem, FRSC, FIRA International’s chemical and sustainability expert.
Since the introduction of REACH, John has been at the forefront of supporting businesses through complex regulatory challenges, providing practical guidance rooted in decades of experience evaluating consumer products for compliance. This makes the session an invaluable opportunity to learn directly from a leading authority in the field.
Contact us
+44 (0)1438 777 700Find out more about the Expert
John Hubbard
John is a Chartered Chemist with over 30 years’ experience, he is an expert on REACH and its impact on the furniture sector.
Related Content
REACH, Module 2: Annex XVII Chemical Restrictions (available on request)
Specific restrictions and how they apply to materials and products
REACH, Module 3: Annex XIV Substances of Very High Concern (available on request)
Obligations from the presence of SVHC and differences from Annex XVII
REACH, Module 4: UK Chemicals Regulation Post Brexit (available on request)
Actions required to transfer from EU REACH to the UK version of REACH (this course is available upon request)
REACH, Module 5: Product Testing for REACH (available on request)
Compliance obligations and the importance of focused testing
REACH, Module 6: Worldwide Chemical Legislation (available on request)
How REACH fits in global chemicals management
REACH, Module 7: Chemicals and CSR (available on request)
Workplace exposure to chemicals, cleaning the supply chain and chemicals as part of sustainability
REACH, Module 8: Flame Retardant Chemicals (available on request)
An introduction to current restrictions and testing for flame retardants
REACH, Module 9: Biocidal Products Regulation (available on request)
How antimicrobial products are used and regulated within the UK/EU
*NEW* REACH, Module 10: Formaldehyde - EU REACH Regulation on Emissions (Annex XVII Entry 77) (available on request)
Understand the restrictions on the use of formaldehyde released from articles in this new REACH Regulation
John Hubbard
John is a Chartered Chemist with over 30 years’ experience, he is an expert on REACH and its impact on the furniture sector.