Which products need REACH compliance?

Last updated: Method & sources
Sources:EU REACH
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📋 Direct Answer

[Figure withdrawn] Check the official page: https://echa.europa.eu/regulations/reach/understanding-reach. Public compilation, not tax advice.

Check the official page

[Figure withdrawn] Check the official page: https://echa.europa.eu/regulations/reach/understanding-reach. Public compilation, not tax advice.

Check the official page

[Figure withdrawn] Check the official page: https://echa.europa.eu/regulations/reach/understanding-reach. Public compilation, not tax advice.

Check the official page

[Figure withdrawn] Check the official page: https://echa.europa.eu/regulations/reach/understanding-reach. Public compilation, not tax advice.

Check the official page

REACH applies to virtually ALL products placed on the EU market that contain chemical substances. Common categories: (1) Electronics (lead in solder, flame retardants), (2) Textiles (dyes, finishes), (3) Toys (heavy metals, phthalates), (4) Cosmetics (restricted substances), (5) Furniture (formaldehyde in wood), (6) Plastics (additives). Key requirement: SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) must be below 0.1% w/w per article.

2
Requirements
Free check possible
Est. Total Cost
1-2 weeks
Timeline

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📝 Step-by-Step Guide

Total 3 steps·Est. 1-3 weeks

Prerequisites

  • Product identification complete
  • Supplier material data available
  1. 1

    Request substance declarations from supplier

    Ask your manufacturer for REACH compliance declarations and material safety data sheets (MSDS/SDS).

  2. 2

    Screen for SVHC substances

    Cross-reference your product materials against the current SVHC Candidate List. Focus on articles (not substances or mixtures) for the 0.1% threshold.

  3. 3

    File SCIP notification if required

    If SVHC > 0.1% w/w, submit notification via ECHA's SCIP database before placing on EU market.

💰 Cost Breakdown

ItemCostFrequency
Substance declaration from manufacturer$200-800one-time
SVHC screening$300-1,000one-time
Documentation and SCIP filing$100-500one-time
Total Estimate$600 – $2,300per product line
🚨CRITICAL RISK

REACH violations can result in EU-wide product ban

Member states can restrict or ban products containing non-compliant substances; fines vary by country (up to €50,000 in Germany)

🛡️ Prevention Steps

  • Screen products against SVHC Candidate List quarterly
  • Maintain REACH compliance documentation
  • Use REACH-compliant suppliers

Item by Item

RequiredSVHC Check
Free1-2 weeks
  1. 1Download current SVHC Candidate List from ECHA
  2. 2Identify substances in your product
  3. 3Test if concentration >0.1% w/w per article
InfoProduct-Specific Requirements
  1. 1Electronics: RoHS limits lead, mercury, cadmium
  2. 2Toys: EN 71-3 restricts 19 elements
  3. 3Cosmetics: EU Cosmetics Regulation limits ingredients

Comparison

Full REACH registration (manufacturers/importers >10 tonnes/year)SCIP notification (articles containing SVHC >0.1% w/w)
Pros
  • Full compliance
  • No restrictions on substance use
  • Can supply downstream freely
  • Free to submit
  • Simplified compliance for finished goods
  • Required for all EU market placement
Cons
  • Very expensive (€100,000+ per substance)
  • Complex dossier preparation
  • 2-3 year timeline
  • Requires SVHC testing/analysis
  • Annual updates needed
  • ECHA enforcement increasing
Best ForLarge manufacturers/importers handling bulk chemicalsCross-border e-commerce sellers importing finished goods
Est. Cost€100,000-1,000,000 per substance€500-5,000 for testing + SCIP submission

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Common Mistakes

Thinking REACH only applies to chemical products

💥 Consequence: Textiles, electronics, jewelry, and other consumer goods also contain SVHC substances requiring declaration

Fix: Check all product materials against ECHA SVHC candidate list; request material declarations from suppliers

Ignoring REACH obligations when importing through Amazon FBA

💥 Consequence: Amazon can delist products; customs may seize shipments; fines up to €50,000 per violation

Fix: Prepare REACH compliance documentation before shipping to EU; include SCIP database notification

Seller Paths

REACH Compliance Path

  1. 1. Screen all materials against SVHC Candidate List
  2. 2. Conduct SVHC testing if screening is uncertain
  3. 3. Prepare REACH Declaration if SVHC above 0.1%
  4. 4. Register with ECHA if manufacturing/importing >1 ton/year
  5. 5. Update declaration annually
💰 €1,000-10,000 per product4-12 weeks

Next Steps

HighReview REACH Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC)Immediately
HighConduct material testing to identify SVHCs in productsBefore product listing
HighIf SVHC found above 0.1% w/w, notify ECHA and customersWithin 45 days of discovery

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Sources

  • ECHA REACH regulation
  • ECHA SVHC candidate list

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Consult a professional for your specific situation.