Tag: chemical management

November 2, 2020

SCIP database launched for tracking chemicals of concern in products

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has launched the SCIP database for tracking chemicals of concern in products. Information on substances of very high concern can be now submitted to the database. In order to improve safe recycling of waste and enhance circular economy, companies are required to report hazardous chemicals in their products to the database. More knowledge on chemicals in products is also needed for making the EU Green Deal work. Moreover, improved data also protects workers, citizens and the environment and encourages companies and industry to replace their potentially hazardous chemicals with safer ones.

The Waste Framework Directive requires companies to submit their chemical data to the database as of 5^th of January 2021. Consumers and waste operators will have access to the database in February 2021 onwards. The database has been developed in cooperation with stakeholders and an IT user group. Based on industry feedback, the database is built to simplify the companies’ work. For example, a system-to-system submission function helps companies submit notifications easily. Also, companies can work together by referring to data that has already been submitted when adding new notifications to the database.

There is supportive information about the SCIP database on ECHA’s website. What is more, there will be a webinar about the tools and features included in the system on 19^th of November.

Does your company need help with SCIP requirements? Ecobio’s experts are happy to help! Please contact us and ask about our services.

info@ecobio.fi

Text: Ecobio Oy

Picture: Shutterstock

References: https://echa.europa.eu/fi/-/tracking-chemicals-of-concern-in-products-scip-database-ready-for-use

October 19, 2020

6 steps to meet the SCIP requirements

Deadline for reporting SVHC substances in articles to the SCIP database is getting closer at the beginning of January next year. Check the tips for managing SCIP requirements.

The REACH regulation of the European Union obligates producers and EU importers of articles to report articles with substances of very high concern (SVHC) to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) SCIP database at the latest 5^th of January 2021. The goal of this obligation is to create a database that provides waste treating and reusing companies with information on the chemical dangers and recyclability of the articles. The database will also serve consumers looking for information on the dangerous substances in articles.

Does your company have obligations of reporting to the SCIP database?

Obligations are created by SVHC substances in the company’s own products. The substances can originate from component suppliers or from own production. The lowest percentage for SVHC substances creating SCIP obligations is 0,1 (% w/w). It is worth approaching the possibility of such obligations by both looking into the company’s own products and information provided by the component suppliers. To meet the requirements and to report data to the database requires article information at substance level to determine if the obligation is for the article’s producer or for the components’ supplier.

How to manage SCIP requirements efficiently? Follow these steps:

1. Start with the essential. Begin by looking at essential product, suppliers and component deliveries concerning the requirements. Concentrate on the relevant objects without forgetting that the requirements may apply to a wider group.

2. Find out your specific SCIP requirements. Examine your company’s obligations to SCIP reports – which articles and on what grounds should you report. Does your company import articles to EU? Gather existing information, recognize lacking data, and estimate the situation. Evaluate the risks if substantial information is missing.

3. Compile supplier information. Contact your suppliers to ask for information on the articles your products constitute of. Separate non-EU suppliers from EU suppliers. Consider what you need and ask for it from your suppliers: certificates of compliance, SCIP database identifiers, information for reporting and changes to contract texts. Encourage your suppliers to register to the SCIP database. Communicate through efficient channels.

4. Draft a notification Gather and process data for a SCIP notification.

5. Send notification before the due date and send the SCIP database identifier and/or certificate of compliance to your own clients.

6. Update the information that you have sent to the SCIP database when changes occur in SVHC lists and article substances. Maintain regular contact with your component suppliers and customers.

Managing SCIP database

SCIP database of the European Chemicals Agency will be a broad and comprehensive article database worth utilizing as much as possible in companies’ own business. The information is updated to the database, and quality is controlled by the agency itself. Do not work double and plan overlapping systems and data sets.

Do you need expert help? Are you thinking about software solutions? Ecobio’s chemists with REACH knowledge and engineers with substance information expertise will help your company to fill the SCIP requirements. Ecobio Manager service offers a solution for managing supplier data and article substances in the delivery chain.

In our upcoming blog we will discuss in more detail the obligations of article manufacturers and importers and look into software solutions for SCIP requirements management.

Text: Ecobio Oy

Picture: Shutterstock

Sources: https://echa.europa.eu/scip

July 8, 2020

SDS requirements amended due to changes in REACH Annex II

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The requirements of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) in the REACH regulation have been modified to comply with the rules of the GHS. The changes concern e.g. Requirements for the placement of UFI labels, labeling of nanoforms and endocrine disruptors and mixtures.

The SDS-requirements amended by the Commission

Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) was amended by Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/878 of 18.6.2020. Annex II further restricts the requirements for the preparation of safety data sheets (SDS).

Earlier this year, the European Commission invited stakeholders to comment on the amendments to Annex II, which have now been published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Due to the changes, SDS suppliers, such as chemical manufacturers and mixers, need to make significant changes to their safety data sheets. SDSs are an important part of hazard communication, providing information on the safety of substances and mixtures in the supply chain from the manufacturer to downstream users.

The changes in SDS requirements

The amendment to REACH sets requirements for safety data sheets (SDS). These are amended to be in line with the rules set for SDSs in the 6th and 7th revisions of the GHS and CLP ((EU) 1272/2008). The change takes into account the labeling of nanoforms in the SDSs. Each relevant section of the SDS shall indicate if the section covers nanoforms, which different nanoforms are covered, and combine each nanoform with the relevant safety information. Instructions for affixing the UFI label to SDSs have also been specified. If necessary, the UFI identifier shall be entered in section 1.1 of the SDS. In addition, for substances with a harmonized classification, a specific concentration limit, an M-factor, and an estimate of acute toxicity, if available, must be provided in section 3 of the SDS.

Furthermore, the requirements for SDSs for endocrine disruptors and mixtures have been amended. Section 2.3 provides information on endocrine disrupting properties of the substance. The endocrine disrupting ingredient must be indicated in section 3 of the SDS if its concentration exceeds 0.1%. Information on endocrine disrupting properties that cause health or environmental effects is provided in the new sections 11.2 and 12.6 of the SDS.

The regulation will enter into force on 16 July 2020 and will apply from 1 January 2021. The transition period for the new requirements is two years. This means that old safety data sheets can still be submitted until 31 December 2022.

Need help with chemical management or updating safety data sheets?

Ecobios chemical experts are here to help!

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Contact: sales@ecobiomanager.com

Text: Anne Kallioinen, Ecobio Oy

Picture: Shutterstock

Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/FI/TXT/?uri=uriserv:OJ.L_.2020.203.01.0028.01.FIN&toc=OJ:L:2020:203:TOC

January 22, 2020

Four new substances added to the SVHC Candidate List

ECHA has added four new substances to the Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC) due to their toxicity to reproduction and a combination of other properties of concern. This means that the Candidate List now includes 205 substances. Any supplier of mixtures or articles containing a Candidate List substance above a concentration of 0.1 % (weight by weight) has communication obligations towards customers down the supply chain and to consumers. The supply chain communication obligation is important for the whole supply chains of mixtures and articles in the EU.

The added substances are: Diisohexyl phthalate, 2-benzyl-2-dimethylamino-4′-morpholinobutyrophenone (used in polymer production), 2-methyl-1-(4-methylthiophenyl)-2-morpholinopropan-1-one (used in polymer production) and Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) including its salts.

The first three substances are added due to their toxicity to reproduction. The fourth substance, PFBS, belongs to the group of per- and polyfluorinated substances, and is added due to its probable serious effects to human health and the environment. The first phthalate is not registered, the second and third substances are used in polymer production. PFBS is used as a catalyst/ additive/reactant in polymer manufacture and in chemical synthesis. It is also used as a flame retardant in polycarbonate (for electronic equipment).

Companies that are importing, producing, selling or using substances, their mixtures or articles (components, materials) containing them should keep an eye on the substances added to the SVHC Candidate List. Substances are regularly being added here. It is recommended for companies to start looking for substitutes for the added substances already now.

Need help with chemical management?

Our experienced chemical consultants will assist you in meeting your chemical requirements. Furthermore, our Ecobio Manager SaaS-service will help you manage your chemicals and ensure compliance with global regulations. Interested? Contact us today!

Contact: info@ecobio.fi

Source: https://echa.europa.eu/fi/-/four-new-substances-added-to-candidate-list

October 28, 2019

The European Commission has approved the carcinogenicity classification of titanium dioxide dust

The European Commission approved the 14th technical adaptation of the CLP Regulation. It includes the classification of titanium dioxide as a Category 2 inhalation carcinogen. The substance is carcinogenic when inhaled in powders with a concentration greater than 1% and a particle size of titanium dioxide ≤ 10 μm.

The substance will then require a warning label with H351 warning phrase and a health warning pictogram. For mixtures a phrase EUH211 or EUH212 will be required. If approved by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers, the Regulation is expected to be published in early 2020 and will enter into force 18 months after its publication. The change will have a major impact on the industry, as titanium dioxide is used extensively in for example paints, colours, plastics, paper and coatings, including those used in consumer products.

The European Parliament and the Council will have two months to raise any objection to the publication of the Regulation. If the Regulation proceeds without objection, the amendments to Annex VI to CLP will enter into force within 18 months of the publication of the Regulation.

Do you need help in monitoring your company´s chemical obligations or in implementing classification changes? Our chemical experts will help you!

We can also provide you with new compliant safety data sheet templates.

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October 2, 2019

18 new substances of very high concern recommended to be added to the REACH Authorisation List

ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) has recommended 18 new substances of very high concern (SVHCs) to be added to the REACH Authorisation list, from the Candidate list. The majority of the substances (13) are toxic to reproduction. The other substances includes two respiratory sensitisers, a carcinogen, an endocrine disruptor and a very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) substance.

One of the recommended substances to be added on the list is Bisphenol A or BPA (4,4′-isopropylidenediphenol) which is a commonly used chemical in the synthesis of plastics. BPA-based plastics are clear and though and used in many consumer products such as water bottles, sports equipment and CD’s.

The substances have been prioritized from the Candidate List because of their intrinsic properties, high volume and widespread uses, which may pose threats to human health or the environment.

The final decision regarding the inclusion of the substances in the list and the dates by which companies will need to apply for authorisation to ECHA will be taken by the European Commission in collaboration with the Member States and the European Parliament.

(ECHA 1.10.2019)

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