The socio-economic analysis (SEA) is a tool to evaluate what costs and benefits an action will create for society by comparing what will happen if this action is implemented as compared to the situation where the action is not implemented. Under the REACH authorisation procedure, an SEA is a compulsory part of an application for authorisation whenever the risks to human health or the environment from the use of an Annex XV substance are not adequately controlled. Also when adequate control can be shown, an SEA may be produced by the applicant in support to his application. An SEA may also be produced by any third party in support to information on alternatives. Under the restriction process, an SEA can be part of an Annex XV dossier for restriction of a substance, and interested parties will be invited to submit an SEA or input to one in response to a proposed retriction.