Ensuring transparency around hazardous substances in products has become a central requirement for companies operating within the European market. With growing regulatory expectations and an increasing focus on sustainability, businesses must be able to demonstrate full visibility of substances of very high concern (SVHCs) across their product portfolios. To support this objective, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has introduced the SCIP database – a mandatory reporting tool designed to improve traceability, strengthen supply chain communication, and promote safer, more sustainable product design.
In this article, we explore what the SCIP database is, why it matters, and how companies can benefit from greater transparency throughout the entire product life cycle. We also look at the challenges many organisations face when meeting these requirements and the long-term added value that effective SVHC management can deliver.
Legal Basis and Corporate Obligations
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has created the SCIP (Substances of Concern In Products) database as an innovative platform designed to increase transparency and sustainability throughout the entire product life cycle. Its aim is to ensure full traceability of the use of substances of very high concern (SVHCs) in articles – from manufacturing and use through to disposal or recycling.
Developed under the Waste Framework Directive and REACH Regulation, the SCIP database provides a centralised platform for reporting SVHCs in articles.
Since 5 January 2021, companies placing products on the EU market have been required to submit information on SVHCs via the SCIP database.
This legal obligation is intended to ensure safety throughout the entire life cycle of a product, including disposal and recycling.
For UK businesses, it is important to note that SCIP reporting does not apply under UK REACH. However, UK companies must still submit SCIP notifications when they place articles on the EU market, either directly or through supply chains that make products available within the EU.
Transparency for Consumers and Recycling Companies
The SCIP database goes beyond a simple reporting obligation. It serves as a central point of access for information on SVHCs in articles and their safe use. This enables stakeholders across the entire supply chain to make informed decisions and to initiate measures aimed at reducing and substituting SVHCs.
By making this information available, the SCIP database helps improve understanding of the hazard potential of SVHCs and minimises associated risks. It also supports the waste management and recycling sectors by improving access to information on hazardous substances in products, enabling safe and environmentally sound treatment at the end of a product’s life cycle.
In this way, consumers are empowered to make more informed purchasing decisions, while recyclers are supported in the safe and sustainable handling of waste materials. Ultimately, the initiative aims to encourage manufacturers to replace critical substances with safer alternatives.
Challenges and Benefits of Meeting SCIP Requirements
For many businesses, the mandatory SCIP notification represents a significant workload. In addition to product analysis and data compilation, IT systems must be adapted and employees trained.
However, this initial effort is offset by the long-term added value gained through transparency across the entire product life cycle. Companies obtain detailed insights into the composition of their products and can assess risks more accurately. At the same time, opportunities arise for product optimisation and the development of sustainable circular economy concepts.
Using the SCIP database offers several advantages for companies:
- Increased transparency: Open communication regarding SVHC content strengthens the trust of customers and business partners.
- Improved risk management: Identifying and assessing SVHC-related risks enables proactive action.
- Sustainable product development: Substitution of SVHCs with more environmentally friendly alternatives.
- Strengthening the circular economy: Facilitates recycling processes through detailed information on the material composition of products.
The SCIP database is an essential component in moving towards a more sustainable industry. Companies are encouraged to examine their product ingredients closely and to replace SVHCs with safer alternatives wherever possible. This not only supports regulatory compliance but also promotes the development of more environmentally friendly products and production methods.
Summary
The SCIP database represents an important step forward in achieving greater sustainability and transparency within industry. It enables companies to disclose essential information on hazardous substances contained in their products and thereby supports the identification and substitution of such substances. Through this increased transparency, a more sustainable product strategy is promoted, one that not only meets current regulatory requirements but also has a positive impact on the entire supply chain and the full product life cycle.
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