REACH

On December 13, 2006, the European Union (EU) Parliament adopted the regulatory framework for Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals (REACH), Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006, effective on December 1, 2008.

Understandably, over the past months concern has grown over the registration status of crucial raw materials, including carbon black. Please be assured that Continental Carbon Company has already taken appropriate preparatory actions and is dedicating the EHS necessary resources to ensure compliance with the REACH requirements to guarantee that the carbon black supply to our customers will not be adversely affected.

Continental Carbon Company has pre-registered to permit importing carbon black (CAS #1333-86-4) into the EU. A single carbon black dossier was submitted on January 14, 2009 referring to environment, health, and safety along with all the uses and downstream applications Continental Carbon Company is aware of. A REACH consortium website is available as well for additional information.

A transitional period will be allowed until the end of 2010 for changing the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) into the format required by Article 31 of REACH.

It is apparent that the EU plans to adopt the Globally Harmonized System for Classification and Labeling (GHS) in the near future. Continental Carbon Company is taking necessary actions to ensure continued safety and regulatory compliance. Continental Carbon Company is committed to the protection of the environment, safety, and everyone’s health.

For questions contact:

Todd N. Miller, Corporate Director – Environment, Health, and Safety: Email

REACH Registry NQ791675