Introduction

*ECHA has recently introduced the SCIP database. Industries that supply products containing SVHC (Substance of very high concern) on the candidate list in concentrations above 0.1% w/w must record this information in the SCIP database. This database primarily exhibits all the details on Substances of Concern in articles or complex objects (Products), established under the Waste Framework Directive (WFD).

Applicability

All producers, assemblers, importers, and distributors from EU (European Union) who supply articles need to document information on the SCIP database if the SVHC present in the article exceeds the threshold limit.

(According to REACH, an article is an object which during production is given a special shape, surface or design that determines its function to a greater degree than its chemical composition. For example, clothing, flooring, furniture, jewellery, newspapers, and plastic packaging.)

Objectives of SCIP database

·      Main purpose of the SCIP database is to provide information on hazardous substances to waste operators so that these operators are fully aware of the possible threat that the material could pose, to rid the article of the hazardous substances before recycling and reusing.

·      Presence of explicit information on hazardous substances would aid consumers on how to dispose of such articles.

Information required for registration with SCIP database

·      Characteristics of the article along with its picture.

·      Name, concentration, and location of SVHC in the article.

·      Instructions on handling and safety measures.

SCIP Prototype

A prototype of the SCIP database was introduced at the starting of this year to get companies familiar with the submission process. Officially, the SCIP database goes live from the 5th January, 2021.

The prototype contains three different elements:

1. Data preparation in IUCLID – Initially, the SCIP notification prototype would be available only in IUCLID cloud and distributed in the ECHA Cloud services. An ECHA account along with a subscription to the IUCLID cloud service is required to gain access to the SCIP prototype. Data is prepared in a specific format and sent for submission.
2. Data submission in the ECHA Submission portal – The ECHA Submission Portal is an online tool in which all submissions are uploaded. Information uploaded to this portal will be transferred to the SCIP database. (All the SCIP notifications submitted using the prototype will be considered test data and will be deleted later)
3. System-to-system service – This service would be able to support companies that prefer to submit SCIP notifications in an automated manner. After obtaining approval from ECHA, a company can link the ECHA submission portal to their own systems. By implementing the API specification provided by ECHA to their systems, SCIP notification can be carried out from the company’s network domain.

*ECHA has published a webinar explaining how companies can create and submit a SCIP notification.

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