Providing Assurance Through SVHC Testing

Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) testing provides business, consumers, and end-users with the assurance that tested products and materials do not contain a detrimental amount of chemicals that are hazardous to human health and the environment.

The European Union (EU) regulates the presence of SVHCs in consumer goods through the Registration, Evaluation, and Authorization of Chemical Substances, which is more commonly known as REACH legislation (publication number EC1907/2006).

 

Eurofins | BLC SVHC Testing and Screening Service

Eurofins | BLC offers a screening analysis against the current list of SVHCs, which are identified in the Candidate List of substances of very high concern for Authorisation.

Consumer products, materials, and components undergo screening to establish whether any of the listed SVHCs are present above 0.1% (1000ppm).

Within SVHC testing and screening, Eurofins | BLC offer:

  • Product risk assessment to determine appropriate testing for compliance
  • Composite testing

 

What products can Eurofins | BLC test for SVHCs?

Eurofins | BLC can test consumer products for SVHCs in the following categories:

  • Leathergoods
  • Footwear
  • Apparel
  • Accessories
  • Jewellery (jewelry) and Hardware
  • Children’s products, including toys
  • Upholstery
  • Homeware and decorative items

 

SVHC & REACH Compliance Support for Eurofins | BLC Members

Eurofins | BLC Members can access:

 

How long does SVHC testing/screening take?

Service

Turnaround Time

Price

Standard

10 working days

£Quotation

Frequently Asked Questions About SVHC Testing

What is an SVHC?

There are certain substances of particular concern and REACH regulation calls for the progressive substitution of the most dangerous chemicals when suitable alternatives have been identified. These substances are referred to as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs).

 

How many SVHCs are there?

At present it lists over 200 chemical substances and can be viewed here: https://echa.europa.eu/candidate-list-table. The Candidate List is a current list of SVHCs that is updated by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

 

How are SVHCs a core part of REACH regulation?

REACH regulates the use of SVHCs by:

  • Setting compliance limits - the total SVHC content of an article should not exceed 0.1% (1000ppm)
  • Promoting replacement chemistry – manufacturers are encouraged to use replacement chemistry

 

Are SVHCs regulated globally, as well as in Europe?

Some substances on the SVHC list are regulated in other global legislation however limits can vary depending on the type of product and its end use. For further information on compliance with international legislation, please contact BLC on +44 (0) 1604 679 999 or email [email protected].

 

What are the risks of non-compliance with the SVHC list?

If your business manufactures, imports, distributes or retails products in the European Union and decides not to carry out SVHC testing, then your business could be exposed to chemical risks such as:

  • Potential for products, materials and components to contain unsafe levels of SVHCs
  • No provision of chemical assurance or compliance for customers and consumers
  • Potential for increased customer complaints and product returns
  • Being subject to significant financial penalties from ECHA

 

What happens if my product has been tested and does not comply with REACH?

Any supplier of articles containing a SVHC at a concentration above 0.1% (w/w) has to provide available, relevant safety information about the substance to the recipients of these articles.

The information is to be provided to the recipients automatically, i.e. as soon as the substance has been included on the Candidate List.  This is a legal obligation within the regulation.

On request from a consumer, the same information has to be provided free of charge and within 45 calendar days of the request.

 

How do I further my understanding of SVHCs 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 XVI, 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.

SVHC 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 SVHCs with Eurofins | BLC and benefit from one of the highest levels of customer service in the industry.

To ensure that Eurofins | BLC delivers some of the most accurate chemical testing results in the industry, we regularly participate in proficiency testing programmes

 

For SVHC testing and screening 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
  • In the event of a failure, Eurofins | BLC chemical specialists can talk you through the results and provide recommendations for improvement
  • 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

 

View Eurofins | BLC Membership Benefits


Half Day Understanding REACH Training Course

This course aims to clear any confusion you may have regarding the differences between the Candidate List, Annex XVII and Annex XIV and help you to understand your business obligations.

More Info

Our Accreditations

Eurofins | BLC holds accreditations from UKAS and CPSC and has auditors approved to carry out LWG audits. Trust Eurofins | BLC to deliver some of the most accurate test results in the industry.

View our Accreditations

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Contact Eurofins | BLC to discuss your enquiry with friendly and helpful experts and to get a quotation. For Eurofins | BLC to receive your enquiry, you must complete all 3 sections of the contact form below. To receive the Technical Update email, you simply need to complete this form. Eurofins | BLC aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours Monday to Friday.

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