REACh
REACH — Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. EU regulation in force since June 2007. Article 33 requires disclosure of ingredients exceeding 0.1% (w/w) classified as Substances of Very High Concern by ECHA.
REACh SVHC List
Substances of Very High Concern — the ECHA candidate list. Substances present above 0.1% w/w (1,000 ppm) must be identified and disclosed.
REACh Annex XIV (Authorisation List)
Identifies SVHCs with specific authorized uses and allowances, aimed at progressively replacing hazardous substances.
REACh Annex XVII (Restricted List)
Substances restricted for use or manufacture in the EU by ECHA. Restrictions may apply to products, concentrations, or use conditions.
RoHS
RoHS — Restriction of Hazardous Substances. Original Directive 2002/95/EC restricts six hazardous materials in electrical and electronic products. RoHS 2 (2011/65/EU) added CE-marking requirement. RoHS 3 (Directive 2015/863, effective July 2019) added four phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP, DIBP).
POP List
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) are substances that persist in the environment, accumulate in living organisms, and can be transported across international borders. EU Regulation 2019/1021 governs restrictions in the EU.
Proposition 65
The Safe Drinking Water and Toxic Enforcement Act of 1986 requires businesses to warn Californians about significant exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. The list includes approximately 900 chemicals and is updated at least annually.
Montreal Protocol
Global agreement (1987) to protect the stratospheric ozone layer by phasing out ozone-depleting substances (ODS). Products containing or manufactured with ODS must be managed and disclosed.
Radioactive Substances
Radionuclides are chemicals with unstable atomic nuclei that decay, releasing ionizing radiation (alpha particles, beta particles, neutrons, gamma rays). EU Council Directive 2013/51/Euratom and other applicable national and international regulations govern use and disclosure.
PFAS Content
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — over 4,700 human-made substances used as surfactants, lubricants, and repellents found in textiles, cosmetics, and food packaging. Adverse environmental and health effects have been observed for PFOS, PFOA, and LC-PFCAs. California AB 1817 and EU regulations are driving increasing restrictions. Suppliers should disclose any intentional PFAS use in products supplied to WCC.