Guide to REACH Testing and Conducting REACH Testing for Non-Metal Components

Introduction

With increasing global focus on health and environmental safety, the EU’s REACH Regulation (EC No 1907/2006) ensures chemical safety in products. REACH testing verifies compliance, particularly for non-metal components prone to containing hazardous substances. This guide explains REACH testing and how to conduct it for non-metal components.

What is REACH Testing?

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) is an EU regulation to manage chemical safety, reducing risks to health and the environment. REACH testing assesses products for Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) and Annex XVII restricted substances.

Non-Metal Components

Non-metal components (e.g., plastics, textiles, foam, wood, rubber) in products like toys, bags, or gloves may contain:

• Phthalates: In PVC.

• Formaldehyde: In textiles, wood.

• Azo Dyes: In fabrics.

• PAHs: In rubber/plastics.

Testing Focus: 247 SVHCs (January 2025) and Annex XVII substances, ensuring concentrations ≤0.1% w/w for SVHCs.

Regulations

• SVHC: 247 substances (ECHA, January 21, 2025).

• 0.1% w/w requires downstream notification; >1 ton/year requires ECHA reporting.

• Annex XVII: Restricts substances like:

• Phthalates (DEHP, DBP): ≤0.1% in toys.

• Azo Dyes: ≤30 mg/kg in textiles.

• DMF: ≤0.1% in foam.

• PAHs: ≤1 mg/kg in plastics.

• Others: EN 71-3 (toys), EU No 1935/2004 (food contact).

How to Conduct REACH Testing for Non-Metal Components

1. Determine Testing Scope

• Materials: Plastics (PVC, PP), textiles (polyester), foam (EVA), wood (MDF), rubber.

• Uses:

• Children’s products: Stricter testing (e.g., phthalates, formaldehyde).

• Food contact: Migration tests.

• Consumer goods: High-risk SVHCs.

• Age Groups: 0–3 years (bite tests) or adults.

• Testing:

• Screening: 20–50 SVHCs + 5–10 Annex XVII substances.

• Comprehensive: 247 SVHCs + Annex XVII.

• Markets:

• EU: REACH (SVHC + Annex XVII).

• US: CPSIA, California Proposition 65 (some overlap, e.g., phthalates).

2. Testing Process

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

• Submit Samples: Provide 2–3 samples with documentation.

• Testing:

• SVHC: XRF (metals), GC-MS (phthalates, PAHs), HPLC (azo dyes, formaldehyde), ICP-MS (metals).

• Annex XVII: GC-MS, HPLC, UV-Vis for restricted substances.

• Others: EN 71-3, food contact tests if needed.

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

• Documentation: Compile technical file, notify downstream users if SVHC >0.1%, submit to ECHA’s SCIP database if required.

Why Choose Huabiao Testing?

Huabiao Testing offers comprehensive REACH 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.