SCIP database is soon ready for notifications from EEA countries
From 7 November, companies from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway can submit notifications on their products containing substances of very high concern to ECHA.
The obligation to submit notifications to ECHA’s database of substances of concern in products (SCIP) has been extended to also cover companies supplying articles in the European Economic Area (EEA): Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway. From 7 November, the database will be ready to receive their notifications. This change comes as the amendment to the Waste Framework Directive has been incorporated into the EEA Agreement.
For EU countries, the duty to submit SCIP notifications started in January 2021. The database now includes 8.7 million searchable article notifications, from over 8600 companies across the EU.
SCIP is the EU’s first public database of products with substances of very high concern. It was established under the Waste Framework Directive. The database enables consumers to make more informed purchasing choices and helps waste operators to further develop the re-use of articles and the recycling of materials.
Source: ECHA
Contact us for more information on SCIP and the Waste Framework Directive.
Changes have been added to the CLP regulation for harmonized classifications and labeling
The CLP regulation on classification, labeling and packaging has been updated. New substances have been added to Annex VI of the regulation, and the classifications and labels of some substances already in the annex have been changed. It is the 18th technical adaptation of the CLP regulation, i.e. the ATP18.
The substances listed in Annex VI of the CLP Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008 have harmonized, binding classification and labeling requirements in the EU. The European Commission has issued the 18th technical adaptation of the CLP Regulation as a delegated act, in which 39 new substances have been added to Annex VI and the classification of 17 substances already in the Annex has been changed.
For example, Silanamine (nano-shaped surface-treated silica), Ammonium bromide, Tellurium, Isobornyl acrylate and several active substances used in pesticides have been added to Annex VI as new substances. In addition, the harmonized classification and labels of 17 substances already included in the annex have been changed. For example, the classification of Divanadine pentaoxide’s immediate toxicity has changed from category 4 to category 3 (oral) and to category 2 (inhalation). This can have effects, for example, on the availability of permits for storage and processing.
In terms of cosmetics regulation, there are effects on 12 ingredients used in cosmetic preparations. Of these, Benzophenone, Theophylline, Melamine, Margosa extract, Trimethylolpropane triacrylate, N-carboxymethyliminobis (Ethylenenitrile) Tetra (acetic acid) and Pentasodium (carboxylatemethyl) Iminobis (ethylenenitrile) tetraacetate are classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or reproductively hazardous substances, i.e. as a CMR agent. Therefore, they may in the future be banned in cosmetic products under Article 15 of the EU Cosmetics Regulation.
Harmonized classification is usually given to respiratory sensitizers, germ cell mutagens, cancer-causing and reproduction-hazardous substances, as well as active substances in biocides and plant protection substances.
Harmonized classification and labels must be used for substances for the hazard categories mentioned in the list. For other hazard categories, the substance must be classified specifically.
The harmonized classification of a substance can also have an impact on the obligations of other legislation. For example, germ-damaging, cancer-causing and reproduction-hazardous substances are added to the additions of Annex XVII of the REACH regulation, in which case their supply for consumer use is prohibited. The above-mentioned substances are also subject to the restriction of the REACH regulation in tattoo and permanent pigmentation inks. The harmonized classification of the substance may also have effects on the availability of permits for large-scale storage and processing.
The Commission’s delegated regulation entered into force on May 23rd, 2022, and the regulations must be applied from December 1st, 2023 at the latest. Substances and mixtures can already be classified, labeled and packaged in accordance with the regulation, but the 18-month transition period gives operators time to adapt to the new requirements.
Chementors can take care of all your CLP-regulation, REACH and safety data sheet needs. Contact us for further inquiries.
Overview and updates of chemical management regulations in Vietnam
Chementors joined the Seminar on “Overview and updates of chemical management regulations in Vietnam”
Chementors attended the Seminar on “Overview and updates of chemical management regulations in Vietnam” organized by Global Product Compliance and E&H Consulting on June 30, 2022.
The seminar went through 05 main topics:
- Chemical management regulations in Vietnam
- Key issues regarding Decree 113/2017/ND-CP and its changes and timeline
- New regulations on chemical substances subject to POPs convention
- Updates on Vietnam national chemical inventory (NCI)
- Future development of chemical compliance in Vietnam
Decree 113/2017/ND-CP is under amendment. There will be revisions in the lists of restricted chemicals (following the Stockholm Convention), prohibited chemicals (following the Chemical Weapon Convention), and chemicals requiring special control at importation.
The exemption types of chemical products, which do not fall into the scope of Decree 113, will be listed down.
This revision will also address the expiration terms of licenses for production and trading of restricted industrial chemicals.
Being one of the three main chemical regulations in Vietnam, the amendment in Decree 113 is expected to have significant impacts on chemical regulatory activities.
In recent years, Vietnam government has paid special attention to persistent organic pollutant (POP) substances. Chementors Ltd had a chance to participate in UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) projects in Green Chemistry for 3 years, acting as a leading international chemical consultant in Vietnam.
The projects focused on the reduction in the use and release of POPs and harmful chemicals by introducing Green Chemistry concepts in key industrial sectors. And now, one of the results of the project could be seen.
New regulations on POP are under development to regulate the import, manufacturing, trading, and usage activities of POP on its own, in mixtures or in articles in the Vietnam market. Draft of National Technical Standard (QCVN) for permissible concentration of POPs in raw materials, fuels, products, and equipment is under development in which specific values of the concentration limit would be assigned to each specific POP substance. Certain POPs will be also added to the list of restricted chemicals which are then subject to specific requirements under the Decree 113/2017/ND-CP.
Chementors joined UNDP projects in reducing the use and release of POPs in Vietnam through the introduction of Green Chemistry, in the role of an international consultant
From 2016 to 2021, Vietnam National Chemical Inventory (NCI) system was opened 5 times for nominations of chemicals into the database.
Till June 2022, approximately 12,400 substances have been approved in NCI database. The Vietnam government is now working on the draft of Decree on management of new chemicals, which are not yet listed in NCI.
In the future, the new chemical substances (*) and foreign chemical substances (**) would be subject to a stepwise registration process including application, examination, and approval in order to be listed in the NCI database before entering Vietnam market.
Exemption cases, which are not covered by the NCI registration, will be addressed in the new Decree on NCI registration.
To enter Vietnam market, new chemical substances and foreign chemical substances shall undergo a registration process
Chementors and the local team are here to assist enterprises on updating relevant regulatory amendments and complying with those changes.
*) a substance which has not yet listed in the NCI or in foreign chemical inventories recognized by Vietnamese competent authorities.
**) a substance which has not yet listed in the NCI but already listed in foreign chemical inventories recognized by Vietnamese competent authorities.
Chementors at Chembio 2022 Expo
Chementors, together with Smart Chemistry Park and Green Idustry Park attended the 2022 ChemBio Finland expo in Helsinki on the 8th and 9th of June.
ChemBio Finland is an event held every two years for Nordic and Baltic chemistry and biotechnology professionals. The event at Messukeskus exhibition center gathers thousands of visitors to network, to discover the most recent information and products, and to attend in various lectures and seminars the event has to offer.
This year’s Chembio Finland expo was held in tandem with with PulPaper 2022 and Helsinki Chemicals Forum 2022 conventions. In these joint events Chementors got to meet existing clients and partners, as well as new prospects for future cooperation.
The Chementors team wants to thank everyone for visiting our booth and for the wide interest in our services and collaboration. See you again soon!
Chementors’ ChemBio expo team at the booth that was shared with partners Smart Chemistry Park and Green Idustry Park
Work the Nordic Way Exhibition 2022
Chementors Ltd together with Chementors SEA Co. Ltd attended the exhibition “Work the Nordic Way 2022” 1st June 2022, in Ho Chi Minh City Vietnam to promote and strengthen the Nordic Employer brand in Vietnam. The event attracted Swedish and Norwegian Ambassadors and more than 300 attendees. The Event was a great success for all stakeholders and Nordcham Vietnam.
Jani Määttä, CEO of Chementors Ltd Finland (holding the sign) with Antti Aalto, Legal Representative of Chementors SEA Co. Ltd, Vietnam, embraced Chementors’ values in the event.
The main topics of the seminar were diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Diversity is any dimension that can be used to differentiate groups and people from one another. Inclusion is how and what we do to empower, respect, and appreciate people for what makes them different in terms of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, education and national origin. There are many examples of how the Nordic countries and companies exemplify these in all aspects of life; society, economy, people and resources.
Chementors discussed with many potential new customers and employees with experience in the Nordic countries. There were about 300 attendees in the event.
Chementors is proud to announce a high level of diversity and inclusion in our Team. We respect and appreciate each other as we are and embrace our diverse backgrounds and differences. Our leadership enables creativity, openness, transparency, trust, honesty and equality. Therefore, we are embracing Nordic values and presenting marvelous new opportunities for our future employees in Chementors team, especially in Vietnam.
Four new hazardous chemicals added to the Candidate List in January 2022
Four new chemicals have been added to The Candidate List of substances of very high concern as of 17th January 2022. The Candidate List now contains 223 entries for chemicals that can harm people or the environment (SVHC). Companies are responsible for managing the chemicals safely and providing sufficient information to their customers and consumers.
One of the four substances is used in cosmetics and has been added to the Candidate List as it has hormone-disrupting properties in humans. Two are used, for example, in rubbers, lubricants and sealants, and have been included because they negatively affect fertility. The fourth is used in lubricants and greases and has been added as it is persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic, and therefore harmful for the environment. More infomation on ECHA’s website.
These substances may be placed on the Authorisation List in the future. Inclusion on that list means that the use of the substance is prohibited unless a company receives an authorisation to continue its use from the European Commission.
Chementors offers a service for SVHC substances and Declaration of Compliance.
The registration requirements for the REACH Regulation changed in January 2022
Tukes informs that the information requirements under REACH Regulation have changed starting from 8.1.2022. The amending Regulation (EC Regulation 2021/979) changed Annexes VII-XI of the REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006), clarifying some of the information requirements and the responsibilities and roles of ECHA and operators.
In addition, the general rules of the standard testing program in Annex XI and the possible non-testing have been clarified. The amended provisions may require operators to update the registration dossier.
Registration under REACH (EC Regulation 1907/2006) provides information on the properties of the substance. The minimum information to be provided to fulfill the registration obligation is called the standard information requirements. Annexes VII to X contain standard information requirements for substances manufactured or imported in quantities of 1 to 1 000 tonnes or more per year. Annex XI sets out the general criteria for the adaptation of the standard information requirements.
Please contact us if you need help with REACH matters or the aforementioned new changes. Chementors offers a wide range of REACH services tailored to your needs!
Upcoming changes to REACH information requirements
The European Commission has revised certain information requirements for registering chemicals under REACH. The changes will start to apply in early 2022 and companies need to start preparing. ECHA will publish more advice in late 2021.
- requirements for surface tension and water solubility of metals and sparingly soluble metal compounds;
- requirements for in vitro testing for eye irritation and in vivo testing for skin or eye irritation;
- requirements and adaptations for 28-day and 90-day repeated dose toxicity studies;
- specific rules for adapting reproductive toxicity studies;
- general rules for adaptation based on:
- use of existing data;
- weight of evidence;
- substance-tailored exposure-driven testing; and
- grouping of substances – in particular, those of unknown or variable composition, complex reaction products and biological materials (UVCBs);
- new rules for adapting studies on fate and behaviour in the environment based on a low octanol-water partition coefficient;
- new specific rules for adapting for dissociation constant and viscosity; and
- additional requirements for human health and environmental testing to be performed at appropriately high dose levels.
SCIP notifications of SVHC substances on the EU market
EU importers and EU manufacturers now have obligations according to the EU REACH Regulation ((EC) No 1907/2006) and the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC) which requires the determination of chemicals contained in their products. During this process it is important to submit a SCIP notification to the European Chemical Agency (ECHA), if certain regulatory criteria are met.
The SCIP notification obligation facilitates the flow of information on substances of very high concern (SVHCs) in articles. The aim is to make information on SVHCs more available during the product life cycle, including the waste phase. In addition, the database aims to promote the substitution of SVHCs by safer alternatives.
The SCIP notification obligation applies to suppliers of articles if the article contains more than 0.1% by weight of SVHC. Manufacturers and assemblers, importers and distributors in the EU and other actors in the supply chain who place articles on the EU market are required to submit the notification. Dealers who supply articles directly and only to consumers are not required to submit data to the SCIP database
Find out more about SCIP notifications and contact us for further information and assistance.
Poison Centre Notifications are here
Since 1 January 2021, importers and downstream users are obligated to notify their mixtures in a harmonised format and unique formula identifiers (UFIs) must be included on mixture labels. This is an important change for companies placing hazardous mixtures on the market.
Most EU countries are now accepting notifications through the ECHA Submission portal. ECHA’s overview of Member States that accept them is updated regularly. The overview and contacts of the national authorities can be found on ECHA’s national support page.
Almost 350 000 notifications were submitted by the year end via the ECHA Submission portal, although the duty to notify in the harmonised format only took effect on 1 January 2021. In addition, ECHA Helpdesk received more than 1 000 questions related to poison centre notifications in the past few months.
Chementors is fully equipped with expert knowledge and software solutions for the Poison Centre Notifications. Contact us for help and information about our PCN service for tailored assistance based on your notification needs.
