EU REACH testing and certification process for yoga balls
Date：2025-09-11 10:24:14 Classification
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According to the EU REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006), yoga balls, as sporting goods containing chemical materials, must undergo SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) testing when exported to the EU. The following is a summary of the specific process and requirements, compiled from multiple authoritative sources:
I. Core REACH Certification Requirements
1. Controlled Substances:
- Testing requires testing for chemical substances on the SVHC list (currently 250 items), with a focus on phthalates, heavy metals (lead, cadmium, etc.), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and other ingredients commonly found in rubber and plastic products.
- The content of a single SVHC must not exceed 0.1% of the total product weight.
2. Applicable Products:
- All products containing chemical substances (excluding food and pharmaceuticals). Yoga balls must undergo testing because they contain plasticizers, dyes, and other chemical materials.
II. Detailed Certification Process
1. Application and Documentation Preparation
- Fill out the application form: Provide company information, a list of product materials (e.g., PVC, TPU, etc.), and a description of intended use.
- Sample Delivery:
- For material testing, 50-100 grams of material is required; for finished product testing, three complete yoga balls are required.
2. Testing Agency Evaluation
- Quotation and Contract: The laboratory will determine the fee and turnaround time (usually 3-7 business days) based on the complexity of the material and the number of test items (e.g., non-metallic materials require 21-29 tests).
- Payment: Sign a service agreement and pay the full amount upfront.
3. Laboratory Testing
- Testing Standards: Based on the EU REACH Annex XVII restricted substances list and the latest updated SVHCs.
- Key Test Items: Phthalates (plasticizers) and organotin compounds (stabilizers) are commonly tested in yoga balls.
4. Report Issuance and Validity
- Pass Criteria: All SVHC levels are below the 0.1% threshold.
- Report Validity: No fixed period, but retesting is required if the material, production process, or SVHC list is updated (1-2 times per year).
III. Key Considerations
1. Institution Selection:
- Prioritize EU-accredited laboratories (such as Dezewei Testing, which holds ISO 17025 certification).
2. Dynamic Updates:
- Regularly check the ECHA official website for updates to the SVHC list (e.g., four new substances added in 2025) to avoid product withdrawals due to new regulations.
3. Differences from RoHS:
- REACH covers all chemical substances (235), while RoHS is limited to 10 heavy metals and flame retardants in electrical and electronic products. Both require separate testing.
IV. FAQs
- Is a certificate required?
REACH only issues a test report; traditional certification is not available.
- Factors affecting costs:
Material type (single material costs are lower) and number of test items (e.g., dye testing for multi-colored yoga balls requires batch testing).
Operational Recommendations:
1. Disassemble the materials of each yoga ball component (e.g., the ball, valve, and printed coating) in advance to clarify the chemical composition of the supply chain.
2. Choose a laboratory that provides "mixed testing" services (combining tests on similar materials) to reduce costs.
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