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Certification for Industrial Equipment in Compliance with REACH

Certification for Industrial Equipment in Compliance with REACH

The Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation is a comprehensive European Union (EU) legislation aimed at ensuring the safe use of chemicals within the region. One of its core objectives is to ensure that chemical substances used in industrial equipment meet certain safety standards. This article provides an overview of certification requirements for industrial equipment under REACH, highlighting key aspects and guidelines.

What is REACH?

REACH was enacted on June 1, 2007, replacing a number of previous legislation related to the registration, evaluation, authorization, and restriction of chemicals. The regulation applies to all chemical substances used in the EU, either as standalone products or incorporated into other materials such as industrial equipment.

Under REACH, manufacturers and importers must register their chemical substances with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), providing detailed information on the substances properties and safe use. This information is then used by ECHA to evaluate the safety of the substance and determine whether it requires authorization or restriction.

Who is Affected by REACH?

Any manufacturer, importer, or distributor selling industrial equipment in the EU must comply with REACH regulations. This includes companies supplying equipment from outside the EU as well as those producing within the region.

Compliance requirements are applied to any industrial equipment containing substances that meet one of the following criteria:

  • Substances listed in Annex XIV (authorized substances)

  • Substances listed in Annex XVII (restricted substances)

  • Substances exceeding a threshold limit (10 tons or more per calendar year)


  • Manufacturers and importers must also ensure compliance with specific regulations related to labeling, packaging, and supply chain communication.

    How Do I Comply with REACH?

    To comply with REACH requirements for industrial equipment, follow these general steps:

    1. Identify REACH-affected substances: Determine which chemical substances in your equipment are subject to REACH regulation.
    2. Register the substance (if applicable): If a substance requires registration and you have exceeded the threshold limit, register it with ECHA.
    3. Obtain a Safety Data Sheet (SDS): Ensure an SDS is available for each affected substance. This document provides essential information on handling, storage, and safe use of the substance.
    4. Labeling and Packaging: Apply REACH-compliant labels to your equipment, including necessary warnings and hazard symbols.
    5. Supply Chain Communication: Inform suppliers, distributors, and downstream users about the chemical substances used in your equipment and any relevant safety information.

    Certification for Industrial Equipment

    To demonstrate compliance with REACH requirements, manufacturers and importers must obtain certification for their industrial equipment. This involves two main steps:

    1. Product certification: Ensure that each product meets all necessary REACH standards, including substance registration, labeling, and packaging.
    2. Supply chain certification: Verify that the supply chain provides accurate information on chemical substances used in your equipment.

    Some key organizations offering certification for industrial equipment under REACH include:

  • Bureau Veritas

  • SGS

  • Intertek


  • Detailed Information on Key Aspects of REACH Compliance

    Below are two detailed sections providing more specific information on key aspects of REACH compliance:

    REACH-affected Substances and Classification

    Relevant substances used in industrial equipment can be classified under the following categories:

  • Substances listed in Annex XIV: These substances have been authorized for use but must be replaced by safer alternatives. The authorization period is typically 12 years.

  • Substances listed in Annex XVII: These substances are restricted and require specific labeling, packaging, or supply chain communication.

  • Substances exceeding a threshold limit (10 tons or more per calendar year): Manufacturers and importers must register these substances with ECHA.


  • The classification of substances is primarily based on their properties, such as toxicological effects, physical hazards, and environmental impacts. The CLP Regulation provides detailed guidelines for classifying chemical substances used in industrial equipment.

    Supply Chain Communication Under REACH

    Complying with REACH regulations involves not only ensuring the safe use of chemical substances within your organization but also communicating relevant safety information to suppliers, distributors, and downstream users.

    Key aspects of supply chain communication under REACH:

  • Provide a Safety Data Sheet (SDS): Ensure an SDS is available for each affected substance.

  • Labeling and Packaging: Apply REACH-compliant labels to your equipment, including necessary warnings and hazard symbols.

  • Supply Chain Communication: Inform suppliers, distributors, and downstream users about the chemical substances used in your equipment and any relevant safety information.


  • QA Section

    This section addresses additional questions related to certification for industrial equipment under REACH:

    1. What is the purpose of REACH regulation?
    2. Which organizations offer certification for industrial equipment under REACH?
    3. Who must comply with REACH regulations?
    4. How do I identify REACH-affected substances in my equipment?
    5. What information should be included on a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?
    6. Can I still sell my product if it contains a substance listed in Annex XIV or XVII?
    7. Do I need to obtain a certificate for each type of industrial equipment I produce?
    8. How often do I need to update the SDS and labels for my industrial equipment?

    Answers

    1. REACH aims to ensure the safe use of chemical substances within the EU.
    2. Organizations offering certification include Bureau Veritas, SGS, Intertek.
    3. Manufacturers, importers, distributors, and users must comply with REACH regulations.
    4. Identify REACH-affected substances by checking Annex XIV or XVII lists and calculating threshold limits.
    5. The SDS should include essential information on handling, storage, and safe use of the substance.
    6. No, you can still sell your product if it contains a substance listed in Annex XIV or XVII but must follow specific regulations.
    7. Yes, obtain a certificate for each type of industrial equipment produced.
    8. Update SDS and labels at least every five years.

    By following these guidelines and obtaining necessary certifications, manufacturers and importers can demonstrate compliance with REACH requirements and ensure the safe use of chemical substances in their industrial equipment. This will not only help to protect consumers but also support a more sustainable future for businesses operating within the EU.

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