Application for EU REACH chemical testing of plastic products
Date：2026-02-04 11:19:24 Classification
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REACH is the EU regulation governing the registration, evaluation, authorization, and restriction of chemicals. For plastic products exported to the EU, REACH chemical testing can be obtained by following these core steps:
I. Core Testing Requirements
1. Mandatory Tests
SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) Testing: As a non-metallic material, plastics must be tested for substances on the latest updated ECHA SVHC candidate list (201 substances are currently controlled as of January 2026; different documents mentioning 191/224 substances represent different timeframes, and the latest information on the ECHA website should be considered the most accurate). If the concentration of a substance is ≥0.1% and the annual export volume to the EU is ≥1 ton, a notification must be submitted to ECHA.
Appendix XVII Restricted Substances Testing: Phthalate esters (DEHP/DBP/BBP, etc.), lead, cadmium, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are key controlled substances and must meet the corresponding limit requirements.
Special Scenario Supplementary Testing:
Food contact plastics (e.g., packaging containers): Must additionally comply with EU10/2011 standards;
Toy plastics: Must simultaneously meet phthalate limits in ASTM F963 or EN71 standards;
Flexible PVC (e.g., toys, medical supplies): Total plasticizer content, heat stabilizers (lead salts/organotin), etc., can be tested as needed.
2. Testing Standards: Comply with Annex XVII and SVHC notification requirements of REACH Regulation (EC1907/2006).
II. Processing Procedures and Steps
1. Preliminary Preparation
Document Provision: Raw material composition table (including additives and masterbatch proportions), supply chain chemical compliance declaration, raw material SDS safety data sheet;
Sample Preparation: For conventional plastics, provide 1-2 kg of sealed samples representing the production batch; for PVC granules, provide 500g of uniformly mixed raw granules. If special additives are included, please specify.
2. Laboratory Selection
The laboratory must be ECHA accredited (see the EU accreditation body list) and also CNAS accredited.
Priority will be given to institutions familiar with testing plastic materials (PP/PE/PVC/PC, etc.) and possessing specialized capabilities in GC-MS for organic matter and ICP-MS for heavy metals.
3. Testing Execution and Timeline
Standard Process: Sample Receipt Confirmation (1 working day) → Pretreatment (crushing/extraction/digestion, 2-3 working days) → Instrumental Analysis (3-5 working days) → Report Preparation and Review (1-2 working days);
Timeline: Standard 5-7 working days, expedited 3-5 working days (additional 50% fee applies).
4. Report Acquisition: The laboratory will issue an English test report with the CNAS/ECHA accreditation mark, containing core information such as sample information, test results, and conformity assessment.
III. Cost Reference
Basic SVHC Testing: RMB 1000-2000 for non-metallic plastic materials;
If additional testing for Appendix XVII restricted substances, special items, or separate testing for multiple materials is required, the cost will increase accordingly;
Mixed testing (combined testing of all non-metallic plastic materials) is suitable for finished product customers and can save costs; single-set testing is suitable for semi-finished product suppliers.
IV. Subsequent Compliance Obligations
1. If the SVHC concentration is ≥0.1% and the annual export volume to the EU is ≥1 ton, a notification must be submitted to ECHA through the EU importer or designated representative;
2. Test reports and SDS safety data sheets must be provided to downstream customers simultaneously to ensure the transmission of compliance information throughout the supply chain;
3. Continuously monitor updates to the ECHA SVHC list. If substances are added to the list, timely supplementary testing is required to maintain the validity of the reports.
V. Common Misconceptions to Avoid
1. Do not test only for SVHCs: Plastics such as PVC must be additionally tested for restricted substances such as phthalates listed in Appendix XVII;
2. Samples must be representative: The entire batch of materials must be mixed to avoid biased results caused by submitting only surface samples;
3. Reports must be updated to reflect the latest regulations: The SVHC list is dynamically updated, and old reports may become invalid due to the addition of substances to the list. Regular review is necessary.
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