The purpose of the report is to give an overview of European chemicals legislation and how it affects the Swedish defence sector. Most of the chemicals legislation is currently regulated at EU level. Rules in EU regulations apply directly in all member states. In order to protect human health and the environment against unacceptable risks with chemicals, there is the possibility of restricting the use of specific chemicals. A restriction may apply to all substances as such or in a mixture or in a product. In addition, subjects may be subject to legal requirements to address the risks they face. For research and development as well as for the defence sector, exceptions to these rules are specified. Today it is possible to grant exceptions from REACH on a national basis on the use of specific chemicals for defence purposes. Despite the exception, legislation is likely to have a major impact on the defence sector as it is increasingly becoming more and more dependent on private manufacturers and suppliers. These can neglect the defence sector's requirements and needs as the sector constitutes a small part of the total market, which may lead to the exclusion of key chemicals in products or relocation of manufacturing to other parts of the world. The latter may result in an unreliable supply chain of important products. In addition, the legislation is based on the granting of defence sector exceptions in the respective countries and today few countries have taken advantage of the exception, Sweden included. Swedish and European chemicals legislation is very extensive and it is recommended to carry out a knowledge-building work within its organization with regard to these legislation in order to handle permits, restrictions and prohibitions. With a deeper knowledge of chemicals legislation, research and product development in the longer term is judged to be more cost-effective.