Although ECHA did not specify the costs to meet REACH requirements, it is estimated by some Chinese organizations that the cost of Chinese exports to the EU will increase by 5 percent, while the cost of imports from the EU will rise by 6 percent. Another prediction is that China's petrochemical industry will shrink by 10 percent and 200,000 people will lose their jobs.

Non-EU exporters must register through agencies in Europe, which further adds to the cost of the compliance.

This year alone, MOFCOM has organized six seminars in those import-intensive regions like Zhejiang, Guangdong, Shanghai and Fujian to train local officials and exporters about REACH and will also form a help desk with assistance from the EU to inform Chinese firms about the regulations.

The country will also establish 10 laboratories in those regions to test chemical substances for potential dangers to health and the environment.

"Safety feature evaluations must be supported by data, so in this sense, no data means no market entry in the EU," said MOFCOM's Zhang.

He said his ministry is also talking with EU authorities about setting up registration agencies in Europe to facilitate the process for Chinese exporters.

Companies are advised to check the chemicals in their products, and communicate with suppliers and importers in Europe to find replacement substances.

They should also participate in the pre-registration process starting next June. More importantly, they can join substance information exchange forums and engage in information and cost sharing.