Downstream users are companies or individuals who use a chemical substance, either on its own or in a mixture, in the course of their industrial or professional activities.
Downstream users have a key role to play in advancing the safe use of chemicals by implementing safe use at their own site and communicating relevant information both to their suppliers and their customers.
In addition to REACH and CLP, downstream users have duties under other environmental and occupational health and safety legislation. REACH and CLP complement them by providing additional information to downstream users thereby helping to ensure the safe use of chemicals.
An interactive map of where downstream users can find information on the ECHA website is linked on this page under the heading "Support".
Who is a downstream user?
Roles and obligations
Communication in the supply chain
Communication with suppliers
Effective communication between downstream users and suppliers at all stages in the REACH process ensures that relevant information is provided in the supply chain.
Communication with customers
Formulators need to communicate relevant safety information further down the supply chain to their own customers.
Safety data sheets
Safety data sheets are the main communication tool between suppliers and users of substances and mixtures.
A set of conditions that describe how a substance is manufactured or used, and the measures necessary to control exposure to humans and releases to the environment.
Chemical safety assessment
Downstream user chemical safety assessment
Downstream users may choose to carry out a chemical safety assessment if they use a substance outside the conditions described in the exposure scenario provided by the supplier, or if the use is advised against by the supplier.
Downstream user report
Downstream users have to report unsupported uses to ECHA in certain cases.
- Interactive map for downstream users[PDF] [EN]
- Tips for users of Chemicals in the work place[PDF]
- Submitting a downstream user report
- Submitting a downstream user notification of authorised uses
- Presentations for downstream users
- Video: Who is a downstream user under REACH and CLP?
- Video: How REACH and CLP affect downstream users
- Getting started with EU chemicals legislation