The EU has regulated the production and use of chemicals, and it has set with REACH as the centrepiece a comprehensive but complex set of rules in place that applies across the EU. Part 1 of the “whereas” clauses of the REACH Regulation states: "This Regulation should ensure a high level of protection of human health and the environment as well as the free movement of substances, on their own, in mixtures and in articles, while enhancing competitiveness and innovation...”