REACH Certification for Articles: How to Ensure Your Products Comply with REACH
REACH Certification for Articles: Does your company sell jewelry, appliances, toys, footwear, etc.? If so, your business is likely affected by REACH. Learn how.
REACH Certification for Articles: Ensuring your products comply with regulations is crucial for any business operating within the European Union. One of the most important regulations is REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals). This regulation sets out the rules for the production and use of chemical substances in the EU.
What is a «REACH Certificate»? Is this term correct?
While the term «REACH certificate» is commonly used, it’s technically incorrect. REACH is a regulation, not a certification scheme. There’s no official certification body or process for REACH. However, a Declaration of Conformity can be issued to confirm a product’s compliance with REACH regulation.
Why is a REACH Declaration of Conformity important?
- Legal Compliance: Non-compliance with REACH can lead to significant penalties and legal issues.
- Consumer Trust: A Declaration of Conformity demonstrates your commitment to product safety and quality, building trust with customers.
- Market Access: To sell products in the EU, you must comply with REACH.
Steps to Prepare a REACH Declaration of Conformity:
- Substance Identification: Identify all chemical substances in your products, including those listed as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) under REACH.
- Data Collection: Gather comprehensive information on each substance, including its properties, uses, and hazards.
- Lab tests: Conduct a lab test in order to determine the presence of substances listed as SVHC in your articles.
- Notification (if applicable): If your articles contain dangerous substances above specific limits, you must notify them to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
- Restriction Compliance: Ensure your products do not contain any substances restricted under REACH above the limits specified by the regulation.
- Declaration of Conformity: Create a formal Declaration of Conformity stating that your product complies with all relevant REACH requirements.
Example: REACH Compliance for Jewellery
Jewellery often contains metals like nickel, lead, and cadmium, which are regulated under REACH. To comply, you need to ensure that the levels of these metals in your products are below permitted limits.
- Lead: The maximum permitted concentration of lead in jewellery is 500 mg/kg.
- Cadmium: The maximum allowed level for cadmium is 100 mg/kg.
- Nickel: Strict limits apply to nickel in jewellery that comes into direct and prolonged contact with the skin.
Additional Tips:
- Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest changes in REACH regulations.
- Seek Expert Advice: Consult with a REACH expert or specialized consultancy.
- Maintain Comprehensive Records: Keep detailed records of all compliance activities.
By following these steps and seeking expert advice, when necessary, you can ensure your products comply with REACH and gain access to the European market.
Do you need us to prepare a «REACH Certificate», contact us!
More info: ECHA
