REACH

Dear Valued Customers of Habich GmbH,

we would like to give you a short introduction to the new European chemicals legislation and some information about the resulting implications and the relevant positioning of Habich GmbH concerning this issue.

The European Parliament passed the Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 ("REACH") on 18.12.2006 in Brussels and on 01.06.2007 it entered into force. In the future, chemical materials may only be manufactured and marketed within the European Union if they are registered. Accordingly, the production or the import of substances in volumes over 1 metric ton per year has to be announced to the European chemical agency (ECHA) with its headquarter in Helsinki.

To prepare our company for the REACH-directive, we have compiled an internal schedule. This will ensure that we are able to accomplish all requirements and liabilities regarding our product portfolio. As far as possible we attempt to maintain the full availability of our products in the future.

In the pre-registration phase between 01.06.2008 and 01.12.2008 we intend to submit all essential data of the products we manufacture or import into the EU in order to benefit from the transitional periods. Hence we can assure their uninterrupted supply at least until 01.12.2010. In the case of chemical materials not manufactured by our company we will be in close contact with our suppliers to clarify and ensure their unconditional availability.

We also intend to complete the entire registration of our products individually or as a member of a Consortium. It is important to know that down-stream users are involved in the registration procedure too. In case of hazardous substances and preparations, the registrant has to generate exposure scenarios including the description of human and environmental exposure to the material during its manufacture or use. These scenarios should cover all identified uses of the registrant as well as the applications on the part of the down-stream users. To elaborate an exposure scenario we may be required to contact you for specific user information. Of course we will make such inquiries only out of absolute necessity and will ensure we handle your response in a strictly confidential way.

We will keep you up-to-date about progress within the implementation of REACH. For questions and detailed information regarding REACH please contact Dr. Markus Richter (+43/2752/71472-23; richter@habich.com).