Annex XVII Testing for Restricted Substances

Frequently Asked Questions About Annex XVII Testing

What is Annex XVII?

Annex XVII is a list of restricted substances that forms part of the Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemical Substances (REACH) regulation (publication number EC1907/2006). The list is used as a form of ‘testing checklist’, listing individual substances, groups of substances or a substance in a mixture, alongside CAS numbers and conditions of restrictions for each substance.

How many restricted substances are in Annex XVII of REACH?

Annex XVII currently contains 68 entries with many entries containing multiple restricted substances – the most up to date version can be viewed on the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) website.

Why carry out Annex XVII testing?

Testing finished products to Annex XVII is essential for REACH compliance as it quantifies restricted substances present in products, therefore providing manufacturers and retailers with assurance that the product can be retailed within the EU.

What are the differences between Annex XVII and SVHC testing?

Annex XVII is a list of restricted chemicals. If your product contains these chemicals in quantities greater than specified in the entry as part of REACH, it is illegal to place that product on the market in the EU. SVHCs differ in that their presence must be declared to downstream users of your product, above the 0.1% threshold limit.

Do you need to test to both Annex XVII and the Candidate List?

Yes: Annex XVII substances must not be present in products and SVHCs must be declared on request.

Do I need to test my product/sample for every restricted substance in Annex XVII?

No. Eurofins | BLC can carry out a product risk assessment to ensure that only the necessary testing is carried out.

How do I further my understanding of Annex XVII and REACH regulation?

Eurofins | BLC provides the Half Day Understanding REACH Training Course which takes place at Eurofins | BLC’s Northampton offices in the UK. The course explains the differences between Annex XVII, Annex XIV and the Candidate List, as well as your business’ obligations to comply.

Can’t find the answer to your question?

Contact Eurofins | BLC’s chemical experts today on +44 (0) 1604 679 999, email [email protected] or complete the contact form at the bottom of this web page.

Annex XVII Testing at an Internationally Accredited Testing Laboratory

Eurofins | BLC’s analytical testing laboratory holds accreditations from UKAS (0076), CPSC (1049) and ILAC.

Product manufacturers to brands and retailers from around the world test their products for Annex XVII and SVHCs with Eurofins | BLC and benefit from one of the highest levels of customer service in the industry.

To ensure that Eurofins | BLC deliver some of the most accurate chemical testing results in the industry, Eurofins | BLC regularly participates in proficiency testing programmes. 

For Annex XVII testing services, Eurofins | BLC provide:

• Chemical testing at an internationally accredited testing laboratory in the UK
• Competitive pricing
• Both the testing and the understanding of the results provided
• Recommendations for improvement are provided for failed testing
• A comprehensive and easy to understand test report
• Technical back up and support from chemical testing experts
• Half-Day Understanding REACH Training Course

Become a Eurofins | BLC Member and access:

• Discounted testing and compliance training services
• Access to advanced chemical compliance support through Eurofins | BLC's technical concierge service
• Chemical, material and product specification support

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