The organisation has warned that use of substrates containing unregistered substances is now illegal and can lead to large fines or imprisonment.

Reach aims to ensure a high level of health and environmental protection from the affects and uses of substances, compatible with sustainable development. It has a wide definition that includes anything from a pure chemical element to a manufactured article.

However, PwC's research has found that awareness of this is "very poor" outside the chemical industry, despite the fact that it affects many print-related consumables, such as inks and cleaning products.

In response to the research, the Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental (HSQE) department has produced a Reach Primer which breaks down the 20,000 pages of legislative guidance. It is available for free on its website.

Richard Shearwood-Porter, managing associate at the department, said that reference to the title 'chemicals' in Reach has caused confusion.

"The new regulations apply to anything, including inks, cleaning products, equipment spares and printed packaging," he said. "Businesses have responsibility as importers, manufacturers or downstream users."

Any company that makes or imports a substance into the EU above one tonne per year will need to register it with the authorities, while 'downstream users' sourcing chemicals from within the EU need to ensure their substances have been pre-registered.