SGS provides Assistance for REACH Authorization Application

The European Commission (EC) has 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.

Authorization by the ECHA (http://echa.europa.eu/web/guest/about-us) 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 Authorization 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 authorization has been granted, the substance has been exempted from the authorization requirement in Annex XIV (e.g. intermediates), or an application for authorization 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 authorization, but imported chemicals and mixtures are.
If you are affected by the restrictions on use of SVHC and need help in applying for authorization or finding a suitable replacement to a hazardous substance in your products, SGS technical experts would be happy to provide you with assistance.

About SGS Services for REACH
The services SGS can offer in this respect include identifying whether SVHC are present in your products, advising you of possible design changes to eliminate the substance or its requirement in the manufacturing process, suggesting alternative substances with equivalent function and consulting services to compile your application for an exemption. This last option requires a lot of sound argumentation to convince the ECHA, including adequate controls and a socio-economic assessment.

SGS experts will help you understand clearly how REACH (http://www.sustainability.sgs.com/en/Facilities-and-Production/Product-and-Packaging/REACH.aspx) 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.

SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With 70'000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1'350 offices and laboratories around the world.

SGS Consumer Testing Services
Jérôme Vandenbroucke
REACH Technical Expert
29, avenue Aristide Briand
F - 94111 Arcueil Cedex

t: +33 4 42 97 78 50
Email: cts.media@sgs.com
Website: http://www.consumer-goods-retail.sgs.com/en/Electrical-and-Electronics.aspx

This release was published on openPR.