What is SVHC Testing for Luggage? What is the EU SVHC Environmental Standard?

Introduction

With growing global focus on environmental and health safety, SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) testing is critical for industries like luggage manufacturing. This guide explains SVHC testing for luggage and the EU SVHC environmental standard under REACH, helping businesses ensure compliance and market access.

What is SVHC Testing for Luggage?

SVHC testing, mandated by the EU REACH Regulation (EC No 1907/2006), evaluates whether luggage products (e.g., backpacks, suitcases) and their components (e.g., leather, textiles, plastics, zippers) contain SVHCs above 0.1% w/w, protecting health and the environment.

SVHC Candidate List

• Authority: European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

• Status: 247 substances (January 2025).

• Properties: Carcinogenic, mutagenic, reprotoxic, persistent, or bioaccumulative (e.g., phthalates, heavy metals, PFOA).

Relevance to Luggage

• Phthalates (e.g., DEHP): PVC linings.

• Lead, Cadmium: Zippers, dyes.

• Formaldehyde: Leather, textiles.

• PFOA: Waterproof coatings.

• Children’s Luggage (≤12 years): Requires stricter testing due to higher chemical sensitivity.

What is the EU SVHC Environmental Standard?

REACH Regulation

• Name: Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (EC No 1907/2006).

• Goal: Ensure chemical safety across the lifecycle of products sold in the EU.

• SVHC Requirements:

• List: 247 SVHCs (January 2025), updated biannually.

• Threshold: >0.1% w/w triggers notification to downstream users; >1 ton/year requires ECHA reporting.

• Disclosure: Respond to SVHC inquiries within 45 days.

• Authorisation: Some SVHCs require special approval.

Features

• High-Risk Substances: Carcinogens, reprotoxicants, PBT/vPvB substances.

• Dynamic Updates: Biannual ECHA updates.

• Broad Scope: Applies to all “articles” (e.g., luggage, clothing).

• Green Focus: Promotes substitution of hazardous substances.

SVHC Testing Details for Luggage

Substances Tested

• Phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP, DIBP).

• Heavy Metals (lead, cadmium).

• Formaldehyde, Azo Dyes.

• Perfluorinated Compounds (PFOA, PFOS).

Components Tested

• Leather: Formaldehyde, chromium VI, azo dyes.

• Textiles: Azo dyes, PFOA, formaldehyde.

• Plastics: Phthalates, cadmium, BPA.

• Metals: Lead, cadmium, nickel.

• Coatings/Inks, Adhesives: PFOA, VOCs.

Testing Methods

• XRF: Screens heavy metals.

• GC-MS: Detects phthalates, PFOA, VOCs.

• HPLC: Analyzes azo dyes, formaldehyde.

• ICP-MS: Quantifies metals.

How to Conduct SVHC Testing

1. Consult: Contact an accredited lab (e.g., Huabiao Testing) with product details.

2. Submit Samples: Provide 2–3 luggage samples with material documentation.

3. Testing: Test homogeneous materials for 247 SVHCs per REACH.

4. Report: Receive a compliance report; reformulate if non-compliant.

5. Documentation: Compile technical file, issue REACH Declaration, and notify ECHA’s SCIP database if needed.

Why Choose Huabiao（GIG） Testing?

Huabiao（GIG） Testing offers comprehensive SVHC testing solutions with an experienced team and advanced equipment. Accredited with CMA/CNAS, our reliable data and internationally recognized reports help clients manage risks, meet market requirements, and succeed globally.