Distributors importing substances and mixtures
Importing a substance into the EEA, determining who is responsible for placing it on the market within the meaning of the REACh regulation

If you go through a distributor located in the EEA who buys a substance from outside the EEA, the person responsible for the import may be that distributor or you. Only a case-by-case analysis will provide an answer. Important information includes

• the importer ;

• the legal entity mentioned on the invoice ;

• the ability to source outside the EEA ;

• the address of the first delivery in EEA.

For example:

• If you don't know that your distributor buys his substance outside the EEA, the importer may be the distributor as a natural person.

• If you have asked the distributor to purchase a substance that is not available on the European market, the importer may be you as a legal entity.