ToxFox: A consumer app for REACH compliance
ToxFox, a free consumer app developed by the NGO Friends of the Earth Germany (Bund), operates by allowing consumers to request information about Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) in products.
Over the last six months, ToxFox has been used by consumers to send 30,000 requests to more than 7,000 companies under Article 33 of REACH Regulations.
ToxFox is available to download for free on Google Play and apple iTunes. It is currently only available in German.
How does the ToxFox app work?
A consumer scans a product’s barcode, which sends an automated email to the manufacturer asking them to provide information about SVHCs. Product manufacturers then have 45 days to provide the necessary information, which is stored in the Bund database.
The ‘right to know’ provision under Article 33 of REACH sets guidelines whereby consumers can ask manufacturers if their product contains any listed SVHCs (currently the SVHC list stands at 173).
Once an information request has been sent, suppliers have a legal obligation to provide the information within 45 days. This information must contain, at minimum:
- The name of the substance
- The concentration present within the article
- Guidance around safe use of the article
How does ToxFox affect businesses in the EU?
ToxFox can be used across a wide range of products, therefore if you are a manufacturer, retailer, or importer of goods into the EU, it is vital that you are aware of the growing popularity of consumer apps, such as ToxFox.
Manufacturers have the option to register with the database and input SVHC details for their products before they go on sale, so when consumers scan the product barcode they will see the relevant chemical hazard information without needing to send a request.
So, what happens if product manufacturers don’t respond to consumer requests within the allocated 45 days?
If this is the case, the product manufacturer would be in breach of European REACH legislation, leaving themselves exposed to potential legal action.
How can BLC help your business?
REACH Testing
BLC can offer full SVHC testing under our REACH screening service.
REACH Testing
REACH Training
We also offer a half day REACH training course, designed for staff who have involvement with product compliance legislation in their day-to-day roles. The Half Day Understanding REACH course is held at our Northampton offices in the UK, however we can also deliver REACH training direct to your company as a corporate course.
BLC Training Courses
For more information on product compliance with REACH legislation or to discuss your products, contact BLC today via [email protected] or call us on +44(0)1604 679999.
13 June 2017