SCIP Database

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What is this?

SCIP is the European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) database which contains information on Substances of Concern In articles as such or in complex objects (Products) i.e. SCIP that has been established under the Waste Framework Directive (WFD).

As from 5 January 2021, companies producing, importing or selling articles that contain substances of very high concern (SVHC) on the REACH Candidate List in a concentration above 0.1% w/w on the EU market are required to submit information on these articles to ECHA.

According to Article 3(3) of REACH, an article is defined as “an object which during production is given a special shape, surface or design which determines its function to a greater degree than its chemical composition”.

What is the objective of the SCIP database?

Under REACH regulation Article 33(1), companies must already communicate information on articles containing Candidate List substances down the supply chain.

Consequently, the SCIP database complements the existing communication and notification obligations to ensure:

• Information is available throughout the whole lifecycle of articles and materials, including at the waste stage;
• Information is available to assist waste operators in developing their waste separation and recycling techniques and processes, as a result of the increased knowledge of which substances are present in which articles; and
• Transition to a more sustainable material management by improving the efficiency of resource use in the EU.

The SCIP database aims to help consumers make informed choices for safer products. The database also aims to increase pressure to substitute substances of concern and prevent hazardous waste generation. Information from the database can help waste treatment operators to help in treating waste and recycling materials thus contributing to a more circular economy.

Who needs to provide information to the SCIP Database?

Suppliers of articles whom are either one or more of the following need to provide information:

• EU producers and assemblers
• EU importers
• EU distributor of articles and others who place articles on the market

The obligation to provide information should start with the first supplier (producer/importers (including those importers who distribute)) since they should have the best knowledge of the article. Other suppliers down the supply chain such as distributors who do not import should take a more pragmatic approach with regards to how they fulfil their obligations, for example referring to information that has already been provided about the article by an up-stream supplier.

Are there exemptions?

There is an exemption to the need to provide information to the SCIP database by Member States in specific cases for certain substances in the interest of defence according to Article 2 (3) of the REACH regulation.

Retailers (excluding those who are importers or producers) and those supplying articles directly to consumers are not covered by the obligation to provide information to the SCIP database.

What information needs to be submitted?

As well as contact details, other information to be provided to ECHA includes information on the:

• Identification of the (concerned) article as such or in a complex object
• Identification of the Candidate List substance present in the concerned article; and
• Safe use of the article, notably information to ensure proper management of the article once it becomes waste.

More information on specific requirements can be found here. 

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