Producers, it’s in your hands

Martin Gingles Industrial Sealing Manager

Under the REACH Regulation, as a consumer, you have the ‘right to know’ what is in the products that you purchase. Changes in legislation have now put this in the hands of producers who now, by law, must provide consumers with the full picture.

By law, companies are obliged to answer any consumer inquiry about the presence of a substance of very high concern (SVHC) within 45 days. But here is where the problem lies. Currently, with such a wide window, consumers are being denied the opportunity to make quick, informed decisions on their purchases.

Consumers are being denied the opportunity to make quick, informed decisions Enable the recording, storage, maintenance, and exchange of data

Introducing SCIP

As of the 5th January 2021 on the EU market, any company supplying products containing substances of very high concern on the Candidate List in a concentration over 0.1% weight by weight are obligated by legislation to submit information surrounding these articles to ECHA.

Established under the Waste Framework Directive (WFD), SCIP, or Substances of Concern In articles as such or in complex object (Products) is a new database of information designed to detail to consumers of any hazardous chemicals that may appear in the products that they purchase. Recently updated in October 2020, all information is made readily available throughout the entire lifecycle of products and materials, inclusive of the waste stage, and is viewable by all waste operators and consumers.

SCIP format

The data model of SCIP integrates the legal elements of Article 9(1)(i) of the Waste Framework Directive, REACH Article 33(1), the Commission’s “Non-paper on the implementation of Articles 9(1)(i) and 9(2) of the revised Waste Framework Directive 2008/98/EC” and ECHA’s guidance. The XML-based database is compatible with IUCLID, a tool developed by ECHA in collaboration with the OECD, to enable the recording, storage, maintenance, and exchange of data on the hazardous properties of chemical substances. But for companies that don’t have access to the IUCLID tool, don’t worry, support materials can be found at https://echa. europa.eu/scip-format enabling consumers to connect to the database to view relevant and essential product information. Producers, don’t fall foul of the new legislation

As a producer, it is your responsibility to provide adequate information surrounding the contents of the products that you manufacture. So, don’t fall foul of this new legislation. Failing to comply with the latest regulation could result in substantial fines and legal action, whilst also damaging the integrity of your business. But for consumers, we say, use your right to ask! If you suspect that a product contains harmful chemicals, you must exercise your right to request information. Let’s face it, you have nothing to lose. The aim of SCIP is to encourage the substitution of harmful substances where possible, and by increasing transparency on such dangerous chemicals, purchasers are armed with the ability to make more informed decisions when buying items, as well as how to best use and dispose of once end of life is reached.

If you would like more information, please visit https://echa.europa.eu/scip