Tracking chemicals of concern in products – SCIP database ready for use

Industry can now submit information on substances of very high concern in their articles to ECHA’s SCIP database. The aim is to make recycling of products safer and improve information about dangerous chemicals in products.

Helsinki, 28 October 2020 – The SCIP database was launched today and companies can submit data on substances of very high concern (SVHCs) in their articles. The Waste Framework Directive requires companies to submit their data as of 5 January 2021. Consumers and waste operators can access and use the data from February 2021 onwards.

“We need to know more about the hazardous chemicals in products so that they can be safely recycled. This is key for a better circular economy and essential to make the EU Green Deal work. The increased knowledge protects workers, citizens and the environment, helps consumers make safer choices and encourages industry to replace hazardous chemicals with safer ones. We call on industry to start submitting the data to us now and we stand ready to support them,” says Bjorn Hansen, ECHA’s Executive Director.

The database has been developed in close cooperation with stakeholders and a dedicated IT user group of more than 60 members. Based on industry feedback, the database includes mechanisms that simplify the work for companies. For example, a system-to-system submission function helps companies submit notifications in an automated way. It also allows them to work together so they can submit notifications by referring to data that has already been submitted.

For support, companies can consult the material published on ECHA’s website or contact ECHA’s helpdesk. A webinar on SCIP, including a demo of the tools and new features, will take place on 19 November.

SCIP is the database for information on Substances of Concern In articles as such or in complex objects (Products) established under the Waste Framework Directive (WFD). The database ensures that the information on articles containing SVHCs on ECHA’s Candidate List is available throughout the whole lifecycle of products and materials, including the waste stage. The information in the database is made available to waste operators and consumers.