How to apply for EU REACH chemical testing for plastic particles
Date：2025-09-19 11:02:11 Classification
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REACH is the European Union's regulation for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH). It is a proposed regulation covering the safety of chemical production, trade, and use. The complete process and key requirements for EU REACH chemical testing for plastic pellets are summarized in conjunction with EU REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006) and practical key points:
I. Core Testing Requirements
1. Testing Scope
- As non-metallic materials, plastic pellets must be tested for a full set of SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) substances. The current list consists of 224 items (updated by ECHA as of July 2025).
- If inorganic additives (such as fillers) are present, an additional 55 heavy metal and hazardous element tests are required.
2. Testing Standards
- Comply with the REACH Annex XVII restricted substances list and SVHC notification requirements (concentrations > 0.1% and annual export volumes > 1 ton require ECHA notification).
II. Application Process and Steps
1. Material Pre-qualification and Sample Preparation
- Provide a raw material composition list (including the proportions of additives and masterbatch).
- Prepare a 1-2 kg sample (must represent a production batch and be sealed).
2. Select a Compliant Laboratory
- The laboratory must be ECHA-accredited (check the CPSC website or the EU Certification Body List).
- Preference is given to institutions familiar with plastics testing (e.g., experienced with materials such as PP/PE/PVC).
3. Testing Execution and Projects
| Test Category | Specific Projects
| SVHC Screening | 224 Substances of Very High Concern (SHC) (e.g., phthalates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) concentration ≤ 0.1%
| Heavy Metal Migration | Lead, cadmium, mercury, etc. (limits vary depending on the intended use of the material)
| Volatile Organic Compounds | Total VOC ≤ 0.5% (for thermoplastic particles)
4. Testing Time and Cost
- Turnaround: Typical 5-7 working days (additional consultation required for complex formulations or urgent needs).
- Cost reference:
- Basic SVHC test: ¥1000-3000 (standard price for non-metallic materials);
III. Certification materials and report requirements
1. Test report content
- Laboratory qualification number, test standard (REACH Annex XVII), sample photos, substance concentration data table [[1][5]()].
2. Technical documents
- Supply chain chemical compliance declaration (with raw material SDS safety data sheet).
- French/English label: mark the material type (such as "PP Homopolymer"), production batch number.
IV. Common Causes of Failure and Mitigation Suggestions
| Risk Points | Solutions
| SVHC Exceeded | Avoid using recycled materials and require suppliers to provide proof of compliance for plasticizers/flame retardants
| Incomplete labeling | Outer packaging must indicate "Complies with EU REACH" and the ECHA registration number (if available)
| Unaccredited Laboratory | Verify laboratory accreditation code (e.g., ISO 17025 certificate)
V. Subsequent Obligations and Update Requirements
- Notification Obligations: If the SVHC content is greater than 0.1% and the annual export volume is greater than 1 ton, a notification document must be submitted to ECHA.
- Regular Updates: The SVHC list is updated every six months (updated on the ECHA official website). Annual re-inspection is recommended.
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