A high level group has been set up to help European industry meet the 30 November 2010 deadline set by the REACH (registration, evaluation and authorisation of chemical substances) regulation. That date marks the limit for pre-registration of chemical substances manufactured in large volumes (more than 1,000 tonnes/year) and the most hazardous substances, irrespective of volumes (carcinogens, mutagens and products toxic to reproduction). After the deadline, the substances not registered may not be used or put on the market. The group, called the Directors’ Contact Group, met for the first time on 5 February. Its members are representatives of the European Commission, the European Chemicals Agency and industry associations (CEFIC, Eurométaux, REACH Alliance, Concawe, FECC and UEAPME). It will have to identify priority issues and develop practical solutions. The group will address concerns related to the potential disruption of supplies of substances not registered on time. Further information is available at guidance.echa.europa.eu/guidance_en.htm