EU REACH chemical testing report for plastic granules
Date：2026-03-10 10:02:42 Classification
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The REACH regulation has very specific requirements for plastic pellet exports to the EU. Unlike ordinary manufactured goods (such as toys and cups), plastic pellets are raw materials, and their compliance hinges on the "polymer exemption" principle and SVHC substance screening.
I. Core Policy: Polymer Exemption Principle
These are concepts that must be understood before conducting REACH testing on plastic pellets:
1. Polymer itself is exempt from registration:
According to the REACH regulation, the polymer itself does not require formal registration. This means you do not need to pay registration fees or submit a full dossier to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) for polymer molecules such as "polypropylene (PP)" or "polyethylene (PE)".
2. However, two conditions must be met:
Condition A: The polymer does not contain substances on the SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) list, or the content is less than 0.1%.
Condition B: Free monomers or other additives (auxiliaries) in the polymer must have been registered by the upstream supplier.
II. REACH Testing Requirements for Plastic Granules
Although polymers are exempt from registration, in actual trade, EU customers usually require REACH test reports, primarily to prove material safety. The key testing areas are as follows:
1. SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) Testing
This is the most common requirement.
Reason: To prove that the granules do not contain chemicals prohibited or restricted by the EU (such as plasticizers, heavy metals, certain amines, etc.).
Test Content: Screening against the latest REACH SVHC list (currently over 200 items).
Common Test Items:
Phytates: Commonly found in PVC granules, used to increase flexibility.
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs): Commonly found in black or dark-colored recycled plastic granules.
Heavy Metals: Lead, cadmium, mercury (often used in masterbatches or stabilizers).
Bisphenol A (BPA): Commonly found in PC and epoxy resins.
2. Annex XVII Restricted Substances Testing
Restrictions for specific applications. For example:
If the plastic granules are used to manufacture toys or children's products, specific limits for phthalates must be tested.
If used in food contact materials, compliance with EU Regulation No. 10/2011 is required (although this is not REACH, it is often combined with other requirements).
3. Monomer and Additive Screening
If your plastic granules are modified plastics (with added flame retardants, reinforcing agents, plasticizers, etc.), these additives are not within the scope of polymer exemptions.
Requirement: It is necessary to confirm whether these additives are registered in REACH or whether they are restricted substances.
III. Processing Procedure and Report Purpose
Step 1: Clarify Material Composition
Inform the laboratory the specific type of plastic granules (e.g., PP, PE, ABS, PVC, PA66, etc.) and whether they contain additives (e.g., glass fiber, flame retardants, plasticizers).
Step 2: Select Testing Protocol
Full Scan: Higher cost, covers all items on the SVHC list.
Targeted Testing: Selects high-risk items based on material characteristics.
For example: phthalates are the primary focus of testing for PVC granules; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals are the primary focus of testing for recycled materials. *
Step 3: Laboratory Testing
Send a small sample of granules (approximately 50-100g) to the laboratory for chemical analysis.
Step 4: Report Issuance
Obtain the REACH test report.
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