The European defence sector is fundamentally shaped by a combination of characteristics relating to the manufacture, import or through life use of highly sophisticated performance-driven systems, supported by complex multi-tier, international product supply chains. REACH and CLP Regulations (and the processes involved e.g. authorisation, restrictions) may have a significant impact on European defence capabilities during the whole life cycle of defence equipment (design, manufacturing, in-service use and maintenance, disposal) and therefore on the European Defence Technological and Industrial Base (EDTIB).