ECHA have announced the launch of a new “SCIP” database under the revised Waste Framework Directive (WFD). Article 9(1)(i) of the WFD sets out that any supplier of an article must provide certain information on substances of concern in that article to ECHA. Article 9(2) of the WFD sets out that ECHA shall establish and maintain this database for information on Substances of Concern in articles, as such or in complex objects (Products).
The scope of the database focuses on articles as such or in complex objects containing SVHCs in a concentration above 0.1% w/w. An article, by definition, is when the shape, surface or design determines the function to a greater degree than the chemical composition. Articles can be joined or assembled in various manners to make complex objects. A complex object refers to any object made up of more than one article. Any article as such or complex object that is imported or placed on the market within the EU is in scope of the database.
Under the new requirements, the following information must be submitted to ECHA:
- information that allows the article to be identified;
- the name, concentration range and location of the SVHC in the article; and
- other information on the safe use of the article.
The SCIP database will ensure that this information is available throughout the whole lifecycle of articles and materials, including at the waste stage. This information will assist waste operators in developing their waste separation and recycling techniques and processes, based on the increased knowledge of which substances are present in which articles. The SCIP database will enable the transition to a more sustainable material management by improving the efficiency of resource use.
The SCIP database will come into effect as of 5th January 2021, when notification duty will kick in for industry.