In a press release on October 28, 2020, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced the launch of its new database tracking the presence of substances of very high concern in products (SVHCs). As of January 5, 2021, the EU Waste Framework Directive requires companies to declare articles that are manufactured in or imported into the EU and contain SVHCs at concentrations greater than 0.1 % by weight. The database is known as SCIP, which stands for Substances of Concern In articles as such or in complex objects (Products). It is currently open only to companies, and ECHA explains that consumers and waste operators will be able to access the database as well beginning in February 2021.
“We need to know more about the hazardous chemicals in products so that they can be safely recycled. This is key for a better circular economy and essential to make the EU Green Deal work. The increased knowledge protects workers, citizens and the environment, helps consumers make safer choices and encourages industry to replace hazardous chemicals with safer ones. We call on industry to start submitting the data to us now and we stand ready to support them,” commented ECHA’s director, Bjorn Hansen.
A prototype version of the database was released for testing in February 2020 (FPF reported). A set of information requirements that will be submitted via the database was announced in September 2019 (FPF reported).
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ECHA (October 28, 2020). “Tracking chemicals of concern in products – SCIP database ready for use.”
ECHA (November 19, 2020). “Get ready to submit your SCIP notification.”
Leigh Stringer (December 3, 2020). “Echa receives more than 50,000 Scip notifications in first month.” Chemical Watch
