REACH (Regulation EC 1907/2006) & The Latest SVHC Updates

What is REACH (Regulation EC 1907/2006)?

REACH, which stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals, is a comprehensive regulation of the European Union (EU). Enforced through Regulation EC 1907/2006, REACH aims to improve the protection of human health and the environment from potential risks posed by chemicals. Simultaneously, it strives to enhance the competitiveness of the EU chemicals industry.

The regulation places a burden of proof on companies, requiring them to demonstrate the safe use of substances. If risks cannot be adequately managed, authorities have the power to restrict or ban the use of certain substances. REACH promotes the use of alternative methods for hazard assessment to reduce reliance on animal testing.

In essence, REACH is designed to establish procedures for collecting and assessing information on the properties and hazards of substances. Companies are required to register their substances, and ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) receives and evaluates these registrations. The regulation has far-reaching effects, impacting various roles such as manufacturers, importers, downstream users, and even companies outside the EU exporting into the European market. REACH entered into force on June 1, 2007.

Which products are covered?

REACH applies to all chemical substances, including those used in industrial processes and everyday products such as cleaning items, paints, clothing, furniture, and electronic devices. The regulation has a substantial impact on companies across the EU, regardless of their sector, by placing the responsibility on them to identify, manage, and communicate the risks associated with the substances they manufacture and market.

What does REACH (Regulation EC 1907/2006) compliance mean?

• Compliant: Products do not contain substances in amounts above the set limits.
• Non-compliant: Products contain substances in amounts above the set limits.

Examples of regulated substances:

• Lead
• Mercury
• Cadmium
• AZO
• Phthalates
• (And thousands of other SVHC)

SVHC = Substance Of Very High Concern, a continually updated list of restricted or banned substances.

Latest SVHC Update (23rd January 2021):

On 23rd January 2021, the REACH (EC) 1907/2006 regulation was updated to include 240 Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). Notable additions include:

Bis(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl)ether (monoglyme) (CAS: 143-24-8): Primarily used as a solvent in Lithium-ion batteries and electronics etching (solder paste & printed circuit boards).

Dioctyltin dilaurate, stannane, dioctyl-, bis(coco acyloxy) derivs., and any other stannane, dioctyl-, bis(fatty acyloxy) derivs. wherein C12 is the predominant carbon number of the fatty acyloxy moiety: Used primarily as stabilizers in formulated plastic resins and as process regulators in various manufacturing applications.

Full list of SVHC

Laboratory Testing Process (REACH SVHC Test):

• Verifies if the product/material is REACH compliant.
• The testing company includes specific substances in the test based on the material.
• The test report serves as proof of compliance.
• While not mandatory, lab testing is highly recommended.

About us and how we can help you:

We prioritise quality and compliance, ensuring that each product meets REACH standards. Our diverse range of power supply solutions caters to industries such as Medical, Railway, IT/Audio, Outdoor, Industrial, Lighting, and Security. Whether you need compliant and reliable solutions for medical equipment or industrial applications, we offer tailored products to meet your requirements. For more information on REACH compliance or assistance in selecting the right power supply for your project, contact us today!