Reminder from DEKRA experts about REACH changes in 2023
Melamine Now Designated as SVHC
At the start of 2023, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced that it was adding nine substances to its Candidate List. The best-known of these substances is melamine, which is often used in resin form for purposes including camping tableware. DEKRA’s chemical experts want to take this opportunity to remind the public that it has now been classified as a substance of very high concern (SVHC).
In addition, the DEKRA experts point out that it is now compulsory to communicate information in accordance with Article 33 of REACH and that reporting is mandatory for the SCIP database under Article 16(f) of the Chemikaliengesetz (German Chemicals Act) for these kinds of products. Melamine has been classified as having specific target organ toxicity STOT RE 2 (urinary tract) and as carcinogenic (Carc. 2) in the CLP Regulation’s 18th Adaptation to Technical Progress (ATP). The reason for its inclusion in the Candidate List is that it is of very high concern for both human health and the environment.
Melamine is now an established substitute material for porcelain in items such as camping tableware. It may also be included in other products – for example:
- Construction products
- Textiles
- Cosmetics
- Cleaning products
- Electrical items
- Toys
Due to its inclusion on the Candidate List, companies have to inform their business customers about the presence of melamine in their product once a threshold of 0.1% has been exceeded. Manufacturers, importers, and retailers also have to make an entry in the SCIP database for each product. However, it is not easy for distributors to obtain reliable information on this from their supply chain. Jochen Dettke, Chemical Safety Product Manager at DEKRA, recommends the following: “Product conformity can be ensured efficiently and durably by drawing on a well-balanced combination of information generated from databases, communication with suppliers, and sampling tests in a chemistry laboratory.”
End consumers can request information about SVHCs in products from retailers.
DEKRA supports businesses by offering advisory and analytical services, including for consumer goods and items that come into contact with food, with a view to ensuring they can reliably meet legal requirements.