REACH is the Registration Evaluation and Authorisation of Chemicals Regulations, and is new European legislation aimed at ensuring that chemicals are properly tested before going on the market.
The HSE information on this is on their website at:
www.hse.gov.uk/chemicals/reach.htm
The TUC have information on this at www.tuc.org.uk/h_and_s/tuc-12870-f0.cfm