Lexikon

A SIEF is a forum, formed after the pre-registration phase, to share data on a given phase-in substance.
The principal aims of a SIEF are to:
i) facilitate data sharing for the purposes of registration
ii) agree on the classification and labelling of the substance where there is a difference of interpretation between the potential registrants. Source: REACH Glossary.

data sharing is one of the core principles in the REACH Regulation. By submitting dossiers jointly and sharing information on substances, companies increase the efficiency of the registration system, reduce costs and avoid unnecessary testing on vertebrate animals.

A potential registrant can choose to request data which does not involve testing on vertebrate animals. However, the potential registrant must request data which involves testing on vertebrate animals.

Indeed, studies involving testing on vertebrate animals have to be shared in any case.

This means that new studies involving vertebrate animals can only be conducted if the data cannot be generated by any other means. This principle is valid for both phase-in and non- phase-in substances.

Source: http://echa.europa.eu/datasharing_en.asp