EU REACH testing process for rubber synchronous belts
Date：2025-10-23 10:16:33 Classification
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REACH is the European Union's regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REC). It is a proposed regulation covering the safety of chemical production, trade, and use. This detailed guide to the REACH testing process for rubber timing belts exported to the EU is compiled based on EU regulatory requirements and industry experience:
I. REACH Testing Applicability and Core Requirements
1. Scope of the Regulation
- REACH controls all chemical substances (including additives and auxiliaries in rubber products) circulating in the EU market and requires screening for SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern).
- Rubber timing belts require testing: Because they contain chemicals such as rubber base materials, plasticizers, and vulcanizers, they may contain restricted ingredients such as PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and phthalates.
2. Limit Requirements
- SVHC substances (such as PAHs and plasticizers): SVHC content ≤ 0.1% requires notification to ECHA; export volume > 1 ton/year requires mandatory notification.
- Other Hazardous Substances: Heavy metals (such as lead and cadmium) must comply with the RoHS Directive (if electronic components are included).
II. Application Process (5 Steps)
Step 1: Select a Compliant Laboratory
- Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA)-approved testing agencies (such as Dezewei Testing) must hold CNAS/CMA accreditation.
- Confirm that the laboratory supports specialized testing for rubber materials (such as PAHs and phthalates screening).
Step 2: Submit Materials and Split Samples
- Required Documents:
- Product BOM (listing all materials, e.g., NBR rubber, nylon cover)
- Chemical Formula Declaration (specifying plasticizer and vulcanizer types).
- Sample Handling:
- Split the timing belt into its homogeneous components (rubber body, fiber reinforcement, coating, etc.), packaging and labeling each component separately.
Step 3: Laboratory Testing Items
| Test Category | Project Examples
| Non-metallic Materials | Screening for 250 SVHCs (e.g., PAHs, short-chain chlorinated paraffins) + 6 phthalates
| Metal Parts | 4 Heavy Metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium)
| Special Requirements | If electronic sensors are included, additional RoHS testing for 10 items is required
Step 4: Notification and Document Submission
- If SVHC content is > 0.1%, submit a SCIP notification to ECHA (including substance name, intended use, and safe use instructions).
- Obtain a REACH test report (including limit value, test method, and compliance conclusion). The turnaround time is typically 5-7 business days.
Step 5: Labeling and Supply Chain Management
- Product Labeling: No separate REACH label is required, but the test report must be kept in the technical file for future reference.
- Supply Chain Compliance: Require suppliers to provide REACH declarations for raw materials to reduce re-inspection costs.
III. Cost and Cycle Reference
| Project | Cost Range
| Basic Testing (Non-metallic) | ¥1500-2000/material
| SVHC Notification | ¥1000-3000/substance
| Expedited Service | +30%-50% fee
IV. FAQ
- Q: How long is the test report valid?
A: Typically one year, but re-screening is required as the SVHC list is updated (annually).
- Q: Do e-commerce platforms (such as Amazon) recognize it?
A: Yes. REACH reports are mandatory documents for EU market entry and are essential for platform spot checks.
- Q: How can testing costs be reduced?
A: Prefer a mixed testing solution (combined testing of multiple materials from the same batch) or sourcing certified raw materials.
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