Search in databases on Candidate List substances

We have collated some databases on Candidate List substances in articles, and these could be good to start with.

Note that the databases have not been developed for retailers and their suppliers. The databases may therefore include products and materials that are not relevant for retailers. When you continue to a database, you will be taken to another website.

“Kemi i Kredsløb” (Circulating Chemistry -KIK database on the use of Candidate List substances)

KIK has developed this database that allows you to filter substances on the EU Candidate List based on types of material and sectors. A rough classification has been made into material types in which the substance occurs most frequently: plastic, metal, rubber, paper, etc. Wood has not yet been included in this database, but you can find it in other databases mentioned here. The database also states whether the substance appears in the European Chemicals Agency's (ECHA) examples of Candidate List substances in articles or in the Danish EPA's database on Candidate List substances in consumer products. The database is updated when new substances are included on the Candidate List.
Search in the database  (note that this database is in english)  

Other databases

ECHA - Information on Candidate List substances in articles
In this database, you can find details on where candidate list substances can be found. This data are based on reporting to ECHA. The information of each substance is found in the “Detail” column

The SIN list
The SIN list (Substitute it Now!) is a database covering chemicals, which are likely to be banded or limited in near future. On this list, you can filter your search based on different parameters. This could be where the substance is used e.g. wood, metal, plastic or rubber. Another filter could be if the substance is a candidate list substance.

Other sources of information

There are many different sources of information about substances of concern in articles. This section provides a selection of sources relevant for retailers. Note that in several cases there is no distinction between substances of concern and substance of very high concern on the Candidate List.

Chemical Database for chemists and non-chemists (ChemicALL; SWEREA IVF, Sweden)
Database (English) with an option to search for material, function/type and process in articles in the textile industry and the electronics industry. The database contains more substances than the Candidate List. It is regularly updated. The database requires a login which is available from SWEREA against payment. Primary users are retailers.

Is it hazardous? (The Norwegian Environment Agency) 
Norwegian database of consumer products broken down by product groups (mentions specific products with item numbers, etc.). It lists substances of concern for product types, but is not limited to Candidate List substances.

Guidance on requirements for substances in articles (in Danish) (ECHA 2017) 
Guidance for producers, importers and suppliers of articles on obligations pursuant to REACH.

Guidance on requirements for substances in articles (in English) (ECHA 2017) 
Guidance for producers, importers and suppliers of articles on obligations pursuant to REACH. 109 pages.

List of examples of Candidate List substances in product types (Danish EPA) (in Danish) 
Examples of Candidate List substances in: Textiles, electrical and electronic equipment, metal, plastic, glass + ceramics, wood + paper + cardboard (2009). The list is not updated.

The Commodity Guide ("Varuguiden") (Swedish Chemicals Agency) 
Database with an option to search commodities, materials or substances of concern. It is possible to search individual substances on the basis of CAS No. or name, and find information on the groups of commodities in which the substances may occur. The database is based on surveys, and has not been regularly updated (updated 2007, 2001 and 1996). It is not limited to the Candidate List or to hazardous substances.

Substances on the Candidate List ("Ämnen på kandidatförteckningen") (Swedish Chemicals Agency) (in Swedish)
Database with uses of substances on the EU Candidate List.

Articles with certification or ecolabelling

The following labels on articles may guarantee that they do not contain Candidate List substances:

GOTS  (Global Organic Textile Standard)
Textiles labelled with this symbol do not contain Candidate List substances. GOTS is a global processing standard for textiles made from organic fibres, containing ecological and social criteria and is supported by an independent certification throughout the textile supply chain. Certification according to GOTS means that all chemical inputs such as dyes and auxiliaries must meet certain environmental and toxicological criteria.

The Nordic Ecolabel (the Swan):
There are requirements that some product categories must not contain Candidate List substances (for example building panels and facade cladding boards as well as flooring). The Nordic Ecolabel is an official Nordic ecolabel. Criteria have been set for various product groups. The Nordic Ecolabel covers 57 product groups.

The EU Ecolabel (EU-Flower):
For some product categories there are requirements that they must not contain Candidate List substances (for example floor surfacing and furniture). The EU Ecolabel is the official European ecolabel. Criteria have been set for various product groups. The EU Ecolabel covers 30 product groups.

Criteria for the Nordic Ecolabel and the EU Ecolabel are regularly updated. Therefore, you should check the criteria that apply at the time you have an ecolabelled article delivered. You can find the different standards for each product type on Ecolabelling Denmark's website