EU REACH testing requirements and procedures for washing machines
Date：2025-09-27 09:34:37 Classification
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The REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006) is a comprehensive EU regulation covering the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REC) for the protection of human health and the environment. Washing machines, as electrical and electronic products, must comply with REACH testing requirements when exported to the EU. This primarily involves the control of chemical substances, the preparation of technical documentation, and compliance procedures. The following details testing requirements, application process, and precautions.
I. Core Requirements for REACH Testing of Washing Machines
1. Scope of Substance Control
Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC)
The SVHC content in washing machines must not exceed 0.1% (by mass). If the annual export volume exceeds 1 ton and contains SVHC, notification to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is required. As of 2025, the SVHC Candidate List has grown to 250 items, including common substances such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP).
2. Restricted Substances and Restrictions
Specific substance restrictions in Annex XVII of REACH, such as heavy metals (lead, mercury) and certain flame retardants, must be met, and laboratory testing must be performed to confirm that their content does not exceed the limit.
II. Product Material and Supply Chain Requirements
1. Material Identification and Data Collection
All materials and components of the washing machine (e.g., plastic housing, circuit boards, metal parts) must be identified. Chemical Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) and supplier compliance certificates must be collected to ensure supply chain transparency.
2. Technical Documentation Requirements
Technical documentation, including a product material list, test reports, and SDSs, must be prepared to document the product design, manufacturing process, and conformity assessment details. These documents must be retained for at least 10 years.
III. REACH Certification Application Process for Washing Machines
1. Preliminary Preparation
Determine Regulatory Applicability
Analyze whether the chemical substances in the washing machine are regulated under REACH, particularly SVHCs and substances with an annual import volume exceeding 1 ton.
Material and Sample Preparation
Provide a product component list, material descriptions, and 2-3 representative samples to ensure coverage of key components (e.g., motors and plastic components).
2. Testing and Registration Phase
Select a Third-Party Laboratory
Consign a qualified laboratory (such as Dezewei CNAS registration number: L8083) to conduct testing, focusing on analyzing the content of SVHCs and restricted substances.
Laboratory Testing
The testing cycle is typically 5-7 working days, and testing includes screening for heavy metals, hazardous leachables, and SVHCs.
Registration and Evaluation (if necessary)
If the annual import volume of a substance exceeds 1 ton, a registration application must be submitted to ECHA, including technical documentation and a safety assessment report. SVHCs must undergo an authorization process before use.
3. Subsequent Compliance Phase
Technical Document Submission and Certification
ECHA will evaluate the documents and test results and issue a report if they meet the requirements.
Ongoing Compliance Monitoring
Ensure REACH compliance throughout the product lifecycle, tracking updates to the SVHC list and regulatory changes.
IV. Precautions and FAQs
1. Regulatory Updates
The SVHC list is continuously updated, and companies must regularly review the latest version (which will reach 250 items in 2025) to avoid compliance risks due to newly added substances.
2. Cost and Cycle
Testing costs vary depending on the number of materials and test items. Complex products may require longer cycle times, so it is recommended to plan your budget and schedule in advance.
3. Optional and Customer Requirements
While REACH testing is not mandatory, EU customers generally require reports to mitigate trade risks. Companies should proactively meet these market access requirements.
Through the above process, companies can ensure that their washing machines comply with EU REACH regulations, avoid market access barriers, and enhance product competitiveness.
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