What is the EU REACH testing for plasticizers
Date：2026-02-26 10:31:36 Classification
：【question】 Visits：
The core content of EU REACH testing for plasticizers is to detect the content of phthalates in products.
In the REACH regulation, restrictions on plasticizers are mainly concentrated in Articles 51 and 52 of Appendix XVII (List of Restricted Substances). The following are detailed testing items, limit requirements, and applicable scope:
1、 Core test substance (commonly referred to as "ortho benzene" test)
Although there are many types of phthalates, the REACH regulation mainly restricts the following (laboratories usually package and test these six or even more):
1. Restricting the strictest "Big Three" (Article 51 of Annex XVII of REACH)
These three substances are strictly restricted in all toys and child care products:
DEHP (di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate): The most common plasticizer, mainly used for PVC.
DBP (dibutyl phthalate): commonly used in adhesives and inks.
BBP (butyl benzyl phthalate): commonly used in foaming materials.
2. Additional restrictions on toys that can be imported (Article 52 of Annex XVII of REACH)
In addition to the above three types, the following three types are also restricted in toys that children can put in their mouths:
DINP (Diisononyl Phthalate)
DIDP (Diisodecyl Phthalate)
DNOP (di-n-octyl phthalate)
Industry convention: Laboratories typically provide 6P testing (i.e. testing all six substances mentioned above) or 22P/23P testing (including more types of phthalates to cope with the constantly updated SVHC list).
2、 Test limits and judgment criteria
According to the REACH regulation, the limit standards for plasticizers are very strict:
|Product Category | Scope of Application | Restricted Substances | Limit Requirements|
|Toys and child care products | All components | DEHP, DBP, BBP | must not exceed 0.1% (1000 mg/kg)
|Toys and child care products that can be placed in the mouth | All components | DINP, DIDP, DNOP | must not exceed 0.1% (1000 mg/kg)
Attention: If the product is both a toy and may be put in the mouth of children (such as a bell, teething gear, puzzle floor mat), it must meet both of the above requirements, that is, none of the six plasticizers should exceed 0.1%.
3、 Materials that require key testing
Not all materials require testing for plasticizers, which are mainly added to polymers. During testing, focus on the following materials:
1. PVC (polyvinyl chloride) plastic: This is the main testing object. PVC itself is relatively hard, and plasticizers must be added to soften it, so the risk is the highest.
For example: * wire cover, soft plastic toys, inflatable swimming pool, raincoat, plastic table mat.
2. Rubber and silicone: Some rubber products may also be added.
3. Coatings and inks: The paint and printed patterns on the surface of the product may contain plasticizers.
4. Adhesive: The adhesive layer in composite materials.
Materials that do not require testing: Non polymer materials such as metals, ceramics, glass, and natural wood (untreated) usually do not require this test.
4、 The relationship between REACH testing and SVHC
In addition to the mandatory restrictions mentioned above (Appendix XVII), plasticizers are also listed in REACH's SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) list.
Appendix XVII (Restrictions): It is a mandatory prohibition. If it exceeds the standard, the product is prohibited from sale. This is the core reason for conducting plasticizer testing.
SVHC List (Notification): DEHP, DBP, BBP, DIBP, etc. are all included in the SVHC List. If the content of these substances in the product is>0.1% and the annual export volume is>1 ton, the enterprise has the obligation to notify or transmit information to ECHA.
Summary: When customers request the "EU REACH plasticizer test", it usually refers to conducting a 6P (or more) phthalate content test on PVC and other soft rubber materials in the product in accordance with Annex XVII, Articles 51&52 of REACH. The judgment standard is that the content of a single substance should not exceed 0.1%.
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