REACH Compliance Requirements

Introduction to reach compliance

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) is a chemical regulation implemented by the European Union in 2007. It aims to protect human health and environmental safety while promoting the safe use of chemicals.

• Core Objectives:

• Ensure the safe use of chemicals and reduce the harm of hazardous substances to the environment and the human body.

• Promote transparency in chemical information and strengthen supply chain responsibility.

• Scope of Application:

• All chemicals and their manufactured articles sold within the EU market (including electrical and electronic products, toys, textiles, etc.).

Scope of REACH Compliance

reach testing applies to the following products and materials:

1. Chemicals: Industrial chemicals, solvents, additives, etc.

2. Electrical and Electronic Products: Mobile phones, computers, household appliances, etc.

3. Textiles: Clothing, footwear, home textiles, etc.

4. Toys and Children's Products: Toys, stationery, baby care products, etc.

5. Plastic and Rubber Products: Packaging materials, seals, pipes, etc.

6. Coatings and Inks: Paints, printing inks, etc.

7. Metal Products: Alloys, plating materials, etc.

REACH Compliance Items

REACH testing primarily focuses on the following two categories of substances:

3.1 Substances of Very High Concern (svhc)

• Definition: Substances with properties such as Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or toxic for Reproduction (CMR), and Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic (PBT).

• Testing Items:

• Phthalates (e.g., DEHP, DBP, BBP, DIBP).

• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs).

• Heavy Metals (e.g., lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium).

• Other SVHCs (e.g., BISphenol A, Short-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins).

• Limit Requirements:

• If the SVHC content in an article is ≥ 0.1%, information must be communicated along the supply chain.

• If the SVHC content is ≥ 0.1% and the total volume exceeds 1 ton/year, a notification must be submitted to ECHA.

3.2 Restricted Substances (Annex XVII)

• Definition: Restricted substances listed in Annex XVII of the reach regulation, which are prohibited or restricted from being used in specific applications.

• Testing Items:

• Cadmium (Cd): ≤ 0.01% (plastics, coatings, etc.).

• Nickel (Ni): ≤ 0.5 μg/cm²/week (articles in direct and prolonged contact with the skin).

• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): ≤ 1 mg/kg (rubber, plastics, etc.).

• Other Restricted Substances: (e.g., asbestos, azo dyes, etc.).

Standards and Regulations

1. EU Regulations:

• REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006): The core regulation covering registration, evaluation, authorisation, and restriction.

• SVHC Candidate List: Updated semi-annually; requires continuous monitoring.

• Annex XVII: The restricted substances list, clearly defining limits and the scope of application.

1. International Standards:

• ISO 17025: General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories.

1. Corresponding Chinese Regulations:

• "Measures for the Environmental Management of New Chemical Substances": A chemical management regulation similar to REACH.

Why is REACH Compliance Necessary?

1. Mandatory Legal Requirements:

• Products entering the EU market must comply with the REACH regulation, or else face fines, product recalls, or sales bans.

1. Supply Chain Responsibility:

• Manufacturers and importers must ensure that the SVHC content in their products meets regulatory requirements and pass this information downstream.

1. Market Access:

• EU importers and retailers require suppliers to provide reach test reports or Declarations of Conformity (DoC).

1. Brand Reputation:

• Products complying with the REACH regulation more easily gain the trust of consumers and international B2B buyers.

reach certification Cycle

• Standard Cycle: 5-7 working days (depending on sample complexity and the number of testing items).

• Expedited Service: Can be shortened to 3 working days (additional fees apply).

Required Documents for Testing and Certification

1. Product Information:

• Product name, model, intended use, and Bill of Materials (BOM).

1. Sample Requirements:

• Finished products or representative materials (e.g., plastic pellets, metal sheets, etc.), with quantities determined by the specific testing items.

1. Technical Documentation:

• Production process descriptions and supply chain material declarations (e.g., chemical usage conditions).

1. Application Form:

• Completed with the specific testing items (e.g., SVHC, Annex XVII substances) and target markets (e.g., EU).

Important Considerations

1. Dynamic Updates to the SVHC List:

• ECHA updates the SVHC Candidate List every six months; businesses must continuously track the latest versions.

1. Regional Differences:

• eu reach differs from chemical regulations in other countries/regions (e.g., China, the USA), requiring targeted market-specific testing.

1. Supply Chain Management:

• Enterprises must require upstream suppliers to provide Material Declarations of Conformity (DoC) or test reports.

1. Testing Methods:

• Common analytical methods include Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC).

Summary:

REACH testing is a critical compliance requirement for entering the European Union market. Enterprises must select testing items based on their product characteristics and target markets, ensuring that all supply chain materials comply with regulatory frameworks. It is highly recommended to choose JJR LAB, an ISO 17025 accredited laboratory, for testing and certification to guarantee global trade compliance and market competitiveness.