SGS assistance for REACH applications
16 March 2012The European Commission (EC) have published a second amendment to the REACH Authorization List. In response to the initial recommendation of the European Chemical Agency (ECHA), the EC has officially added the eight extra Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) that the agency recommended for the Authorization List (Annex XIV) in REACH Regulation (EC No. 1907/2006). Annex XIV now has a total of 14 SVHC and no new exemptions were added.
The eight new SVHC are Diisobutyl phthalate (DIBP), Diarsenic trioxide, Diarsenic pentaoxide, Lead chromate, Lead sulfochromate yellow (C.I. Pigment Yellow 34), Lead chromate molybdate sulphate red (C. I. Pigment Red 104), Tris (2-chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP) and 2,4-Dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT). All the new SVHC have dates of latest application ranging from February 2013 to February 2014 and their corresponding sunset dates ranging from May to August 2015.
Authorisation by the ECHA will be needed by manufacturers, importers or downstream users in the European Union (EU) to sell or use these substances. To apply for this it is necessary to submit a chemical safety report that addresses the risks that prompted the substance to be included in the scheme. In addition, an analysis of the non-viability of substitute substances or technologies, including present and foreseeable research and development processes, will be required to justify the application.
Without regard to the tonnage involved, any substance included in the Authorisation List that is used, either directly, in a mixture or incorporated in an article should not be placed on the market or used after the ‘sunset date’ unless a special authorisation has been granted, the substance has been exempted from the authorisation requirement in Annex XIV (eg intermediates), or an application for authorisation was lodged prior expiry of the ‘latest application date’.
The rules concerning incorporation of a substance into an article only apply to manufacturers of products in the EU that use the substance during the manufacturing process. Imported products are not subject to authorisation, but imported chemicals and mixtures are.
If you are affected by the restrictions on use of SVHC and need help in applying for authorisation or finding a suitable replacement to a hazardous substance in your products, SGS technical experts would be happy to provide you with assistance.
SGS experts will help you understand clearly how REACH affects your company and your products as well as how to manage REACH compliance within your business. Placing you firmly in control of your obligations under REACH, SGS will help you find the most cost effective and efficient way. The flexible scope of SGS service ranges from consultancy and training to implementation of REACH duties on your behalf, which includes supply chain communications, due diligence and analytical testing.
