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The ECHA REACH regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) is one of the most important regulatory frameworks governing chemical safety in the EU. Two key aspects businesses need to understand under REACH are Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) obligations and REACH SCIP notifications. These requirements help ensure transparency of hazardous chemicals in products and support safer use and waste management across the EU.
What Are SVHCs?
Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) are chemicals identified under REACH that may have serious effects on human health or the environment. Examples include carcinogens, mutagens, reproductive toxicants (CMRs), persistent bioaccumulative toxic (PBT), or very persistent very bioaccumulative (vPvB) substances. Once identified, these substances are added to the REACH Candidate List SVHC.
When a substance is included on the Candidate List, it triggers specific information and notification duties for businesses placing related substances or products on the EU market. The list itself is regularly updated by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), and new inclusions can create fresh compliance deadlines for companies.
SVHC Communication Requirements
Under REACH Article 33, if an article contains any SVHC at a concentration above 0.1 % weight by weight (w/w), suppliers must communicate information about the substance to their customers in the supply chain. This includes details that enable safe use of the product. If consumers request the information, it must be provided free of charge within 45 days.
Additionally, producers and importers may need to notify ECHA directly under REACH Article 7(2) if their articles contain Candidate List SVHCs over the 0.1 % threshold and exceed a specified annual quantity. This notification ensures ECHA is aware of significant quantities of high-risk substances in the EU market.
Introduction to the ECHA SCIP Database
Separate but complementary to REACH’s SVHC obligations is the SCIP database ECHA, established under the revised Waste Framework Directive (WFD). SCIP stands for Substances of Concern In articles as such or in complex objects (Products). It was created to support the EU’s transition to a circular economy by making information about hazardous substances present in products available throughout their lifecycle — including the waste stage.
From 5 January 2021, companies placing articles on the EU/EEA market that contain SVHCs above 0.1 % w/w must submit detailed information to the SCIP database. This applies to articles as such or components within more complex products, with no minimum tonnage threshold.
Who Must Submit SCIP Notifications?
Suppliers affected by SCIP include:
- EU producers and importers of articles
- Assemblers that combine components into complex products
- Distributors and others placing articles on the EU market
The SCIP notification must include the article identity, SVHC details (name and concentration range), and safe use information -enabling waste operators and consumers to manage products responsibly at end-of-life.
Why These Requirements Matter
Together, SVHC communication under REACH and SCIP notification obligations enhance chemical transparency across supply chains. They empower customers and waste managers with vital safety information, encourage substitution of hazardous substances, and support circular economy goals by making critical data publicly accessible.
Freyr’s experts support companies manufacturing or supplying products to the EU by helping them understand REACH SVHC requirements and achieve REACH SCIP compliance. Meeting these requirements is crucial to ensure Chemical regulatory compliance and avoid regulatory penalties, safeguard brand reputation, and ensure uninterrupted market access.
