SVHC Testing and Certification

What is SVHC?

SVHC refers to chemical substances designated as Substances of Very High Concern. These substances are recognized as having properties that can cause serious harm to human health, the environment, or ecosystems. Regulations under REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals) identify and control SVHCs.

SVHC testing determines if a chemical substance qualifies as an SVHC. These tests evaluate the specific properties of the chemical to detect whether it meets the SVHC criteria, using various analytical techniques and test methods.
SVHC certification documents that a chemical substance is classified as an SVHC and meets the requirements of the relevant regulations. Regulatory authorities carry out SVHC certification, which may require submitting documents or notifications showing the substance is classified as an SVHC.
SVHC testing and certification identify and control whether chemical substances are SVHCs. This process detects chemical substances with harmful effects on human health and the environment and may require regulating or restricting their use. It is a significant step toward protecting public health and the environment, aiming to meet REACH regulation requirements.

What is SVHC?

SVHC stands for Substance of Very High Concern. These are chemical substances identified by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) as posing significant risks to human health or the environment.

SVHCs are flagged for properties like carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity, or persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) or very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) traits. They have known or suspected harmful effects.
The REACH regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) controls SVHC identification and management in the EU. It covers registration, evaluation, authorisation, and restriction of these chemicals. SVHCs may face specific authorisation rules or usage limits.
ECHA keeps and regularly updates the SVHC list, adding or removing substances. This list informs about chemical hazards and helps stakeholders take necessary precautions.

SVHC is a risk-identification concept for chemical substances, targeting control of materials that could harm human health or the environment.

Which Products Require SVHC Testing?

SVHC (Substance of Very High Concern) testing detects these substances. It applies to various product groups, such as:

Consumer Products: Items for daily use sold to consumers. Examples: electronics, toys, textiles, furniture, cosmetics, packaging.
Automotive Industry Products: A sector using many chemicals. Parts, paints, coatings, upholstery, cables, and wires may need SVHC testing.
Electrical and Electronic Products: Chemicals in these goods may require testing. This includes computers, mobile phones, appliances, lighting, batteries, and accumulators.
Construction Materials: Materials in construction can be tested. Examples: paints, coatings, insulation, cement, concrete.
Textile and Footwear Products: Industry items that may need testing. Fabrics, clothing, footwear, and accessories are included.

These examples are not exhaustive. SVHC testing can be required for many product groups. Testing evaluation typically considers human contact, consumer safety, environmental impact, and hazard potential. The need for SVHC testing depends on each product's specific features and intended use.

SVHC Testing and Certification Price

Prices for SVHC (Substance of Very High Concern) testing and certification depend on several factors.

Test Scope: SVHC testing identifies different chemical substances, and each substance tested adds cost. The scope-which chemicals are tested and the depth of analysis-determines the price.
Test Methods and Techniques: Various analytical methods and techniques apply to SVHC testing. Costs change with the laboratory equipment, expert personnel, and analysis methods needed for the chemical.
Number of Samples and Sampling: SVHC testing often requires test samples or specimens. The number of samples and the sampling procedure affect the price. More samples or a more involved sampling process raise costs.
Certification Body and Service Providers: Different certification bodies and service providers offer SVHC testing and certification. Each has its own pricing policy and service fees. You should get quotes from several organizations and compare them.

SVHC testing and certification cannot have a fixed price, as each case varies. You must consider test scope, analysis methods, number of samples, certification body, and service providers. For this reason, obtain quotes from certification bodies for SVHC testing and certification and detail your requirements. This lets them prepare a custom price and give you more accurate cost information.