ECHA Reminds SME Registrants: Incorrect Declarations May Lead to Additional Charges

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has issued an important reminder to companies that declared themselves as micro, small, or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in their REACH registrations.

ECHA continues to verify company size declarations submitted through REACH-IT and warns that incorrect SME claims may lead to administrative charges in addition to the difference between the correct and reduced fees.

Ongoing Verification Process

ECHA has initiated new checks on companies that claimed SME status at the time of their REACH registration.
If your declared company size was smaller than it actually was when you submitted your dossier, you should inform ECHA’s Helpdesk proactively.

🔹 If you correct your company size before verification starts, you only pay the difference in the registration fee.
🔹 If ECHA detects the incorrect declaration during its verification, you will have to pay the fee difference plus an administrative charge of up to EUR 19 900.

What Companies Should Do

Check your REACH-IT account.
Make sure your declared company size matches your actual size at the time of submission.
Correct errors proactively.
If you identify a mismatch, notify ECHA’s Helpdesk before verification begins to avoid the administrative charge.
Upload supporting documents.
Ensure all documentation confirming your SME status (financial statements, number of employees, ownership structure) is available in REACH-IT.
Monitor your account regularly.
Check your REACH-IT messages and tasks for any updates or verification requests.
Keep your records up to date.
Always maintain current contact details and registration information.

Why Accurate Declarations Matter

SME status allows companies to benefit from reduced REACH registration fees.
However, these reductions are valid only if the declared size is accurate and properly documented.
ECHA emphasizes that transparency and correctness are key to maintaining trust, fairness, and integrity across the EU’s chemicals regulatory framework.

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