"Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 encourages European manufacturers to improve chemical traceability"
Industry is stepping up its adaptation to REACH through more efficient documentation strategies and streamlined analytical control
Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 is driving European manufacturers to increase chemical traceability, whilst advanced solutions for document analysis and analytical verification facilitate more streamlined and cost-effective compliance
Compliance with the REACH Regulation, one of the European Union’s most demanding regulatory frameworks, is leading companies to rethink how they manage technical information related to their products.
TECNALIA excels in the preparation, organisation and validation of documentation, a key process to demonstrate compliance without having to resort systematically to analytical tests. This approach enables manufacturers, importers and distributors to reduce costs, anticipate risks and maintain the traceability required by the ECHA.
Document analysis as the basis for regulatory compliance
Document analysis has become the cornerstone of an effective compliance strategy. Reviewing Safety Data Sheets, assessing suppliers and compiling comprehensive technical dossiers enable companies to demonstrate that their articles comply with the restrictions and obligations of REACH, including the management of substances of very high concern (SVHCs) and the obligation to notify the SCIP database.
This methodology, which is in line with the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 and its amendments, avoids duplication, reduces the need for testing and facilitates scalability in catalogues with multiple product references.
When analytical tests are necessary to verify conformity
However, there are situations in which documentation is not enough. When it is necessary to confirm the presence or concentration of restricted substances, analytical tests carried out in accredited laboratories are required.
- These tests, which are essential to verify compliance with the threshold of 0.1 % in weight for SVHCs, provide the necessary evidence for audits, certifications and market surveillance processes.
- Their role is complementary: they serve as a means of verification when documentary evidence is inconclusive or when the client requires independent analytical confirmation.
The hybrid strategy: combining documentation and laboratory analysis
The combination of both approaches, document analysis and laboratory tests, has become the most robust strategy for industry.
- This hybrid approach enables resources to be optimised, reduces time to market and minimises the risk of sanctions or marketing restrictions.
- It also increases the trust of customers and regulatory bodies, which is becoming increasingly important in sectors subject to strict chemical monitoring.
TECNALIA, a partner for robust and sustainable REACH compliance
Having a well-designed compliance strategy in an environment in which legislation is constantly changing and regulatory pressure is mounting becomes a competitive advantage.
TECNALIA’s Construction Materials Laboratory team supports companies in the preparation of documentation, organisation of files and definition of the most appropriate strategy for each case, ensuring robust and sustainable compliance.