Category: Law Registry

January 27, 2021

Two new substances added to the SVHC Candidate List

ECHA added the substances to the SHVC – Candidate List in January 2021

ECHA has added two new substances to the Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC) due to their toxicity to reproduction. This means that the Candidate List now includes 211 substances. Any supplier of mixtures or articles containing a Candidate List substance above the concentration of 0.1 % (weight by weight) has communication obligations towards customers down the supply chain and to consumers. The supply chain communication obligation is important for the whole supply chains of mixtures and articles in the EU. As of 5 January 2021, article suppliers have to notify substances of very high concern present in their articles to ECHA’s SCIP database under the Waste Framework Directive.

The added substances are: bis(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl)ether and dioctyltin dilaurate, stannane, dioctyl-, bis(coco acyloxy) derivs., and any other stannane, dioctyl-, bis(fatty acyloxy) derivs. wherein C12 is the predominant carbon number of the fatty acyloxy moiety.

The substances are used in ink and toner products and in the manufacture of plastics and rubber tyres. The first substance, bis(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl)ether, acts as a solvent and extractant, and the mono-constituent form of the second substance (dioctyltin dilaurate) is used as an additive in the production of plastics and rubber tyres. The second substance is not registered under REACH as a group of substances. However, the constituent dioctyltin dilaurate is a registered substance.

The substances added by ECHA can cause serious effects on human health and the environment

The Candidate List includes substances of very high concern that may have serious effects on our health or the environment. These substances may be placed on the Authorisation List in the future, which means that companies would need to apply for permission to continue using them. (ECHA)

Companies that are importing, producing, selling or using substances, their mixtures or articles (components, materials) containing them should keep an eye on the substances added to the SVHC Candidate List. Substances are regularly being added here. It is recommended for companies to start looking for substitutes for the added substances already now.

Do you need help with chemical management?

Our experienced chemical consultants will assist you in meeting your chemical requirements. Furthermore, our Ecobio Manager SaaS-service will help you manage your chemicals and ensure compliance with global regulations. Interested? Contact us today!

Contact: info@ecobio.fi

Text: Kristian Vaitomaa

Picture: Shutterstock

Source: ECHA

January 11, 2021

New in Sustainable Finance

Sustainability runs capital. During the last 10 years the capital in sustainable indexes has doubled. During the last year sustainability indexes that concentrate on environmental (E), social (S) and governance (G) have had higher returns than their non-sustainable competitors both on the European and North American market. As there are several indexes it can be difficult for investors to understand what they contain and how to compare them. The European Union strives to make the indexes more comparable and transparent by creating new directives and therefor creating a stronger and cleaner economy.

EU leads capital towards sustainability

The new laws concerning sustainable finance by the European Union leads towards sustainable investing by a creation of clearer definition of tools and obligations of sustainability reporting and -valuation. To support this, the European Union has published the EU Taxonomy Regulation for sustainable development. The Taxonomy Regulation contains harmonic criteria that define whether the economic activity is sustainable from the nature’s perspective. The classification contains e.g., climate change, water resources, and circular economy. The creation of the taxonomy regulation unites sustainable reporting which makes it easier for investors and other financial actors to make their investment decisions. The classification is new for companies and it is profitable to start preparing for them already now.

Additionally, the European Commission will approve a directive in June 2021 that specifies the reporting among non-financial information. The directive defines how and how widely companies must report according to the above-mentioned Taxonomy Regulation.

The first company- and investment reports in accordance with the new Taxonomy Regulation must be published in the beginning of 2022 about the financial information from 2021.

You might be interested in our webinar recording“New in Sustainable Finance: How to apply EU’s taxonomy regulation and reporting requirements”

Are you interested in sustainable finance? Are you familiar with the new classifications and reporting requirements in sustainability by EU? Have you wondered how you should prepare to meet the obligations?

Welcome to hear more about sustainable finance, the new obligations and how one should prepare to develop the reports. Our expert will go through EU’s Taxonomy Regulation in our webinar recording.

6 steps to meet the SCIP requirements

Deadline for reporting SVHC substances in articles to the SCIP database is getting closer at the beginning of January next year. Check the tips for managing SCIP requirements.

The REACH regulation of the European Union obligates producers and EU importers of articles to report articles with substances of very high concern (SVHC) to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) SCIP database at the latest 5^th of January 2021. The goal of this obligation is to create a database that provides waste treating and reusing companies with information on the chemical dangers and recyclability of the articles. The database will also serve consumers looking for information on the dangerous substances in articles.

Does your company have obligations of reporting to the SCIP database?

Obligations are created by SVHC substances in the company’s own products. The substances can originate from component suppliers or from own production. The lowest percentage for SVHC substances creating SCIP obligations is 0,1 (% w/w). It is worth approaching the possibility of such obligations by both looking into the company’s own products and information provided by the component suppliers. To meet the requirements and to report data to the database requires article information at substance level to determine if the obligation is for the article’s producer or for the components’ supplier.

How to manage SCIP requirements efficiently? Follow these steps:

1. Start with the essential. Begin by looking at essential product, suppliers and component deliveries concerning the requirements. Concentrate on the relevant objects without forgetting that the requirements may apply to a wider group.

2. Find out your specific SCIP requirements. Examine your company’s obligations to SCIP reports – which articles and on what grounds should you report. Does your company import articles to EU? Gather existing information, recognize lacking data, and estimate the situation. Evaluate the risks if substantial information is missing.

3. Compile supplier information. Contact your suppliers to ask for information on the articles your products constitute of. Separate non-EU suppliers from EU suppliers. Consider what you need and ask for it from your suppliers: certificates of compliance, SCIP database identifiers, information for reporting and changes to contract texts. Encourage your suppliers to register to the SCIP database. Communicate through efficient channels.

4. Draft a notification Gather and process data for a SCIP notification.

5. Send notification before the due date and send the SCIP database identifier and/or certificate of compliance to your own clients.

6. Update the information that you have sent to the SCIP database when changes occur in SVHC lists and article substances. Maintain regular contact with your component suppliers and customers.

Managing SCIP database

SCIP database of the European Chemicals Agency will be a broad and comprehensive article database worth utilizing as much as possible in companies’ own business. The information is updated to the database, and quality is controlled by the agency itself. Do not work double and plan overlapping systems and data sets.

Do you need expert help? Are you thinking about software solutions? Ecobio’s chemists with REACH knowledge and engineers with substance information expertise will help your company to fill the SCIP requirements. Ecobio Manager service offers a solution for managing supplier data and article substances in the delivery chain.

In our upcoming blog we will discuss in more detail the obligations of article manufacturers and importers and look into software solutions for SCIP requirements management.

Text: Ecobio Oy

Picture: Shutterstock

Sources: https://echa.europa.eu/scip

July 8, 2020

SDS requirements amended due to changes in REACH Annex II

Prefer to read the news in Finnish? Click here

The requirements of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) in the REACH regulation have been modified to comply with the rules of the GHS. The changes concern e.g. Requirements for the placement of UFI labels, labeling of nanoforms and endocrine disruptors and mixtures.

The SDS-requirements amended by the Commission

Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) was amended by Commission Regulation (EU) 2020/878 of 18.6.2020. Annex II further restricts the requirements for the preparation of safety data sheets (SDS).

Earlier this year, the European Commission invited stakeholders to comment on the amendments to Annex II, which have now been published in the Official Journal of the European Union. Due to the changes, SDS suppliers, such as chemical manufacturers and mixers, need to make significant changes to their safety data sheets. SDSs are an important part of hazard communication, providing information on the safety of substances and mixtures in the supply chain from the manufacturer to downstream users.

The changes in SDS requirements

The amendment to REACH sets requirements for safety data sheets (SDS). These are amended to be in line with the rules set for SDSs in the 6th and 7th revisions of the GHS and CLP ((EU) 1272/2008). The change takes into account the labeling of nanoforms in the SDSs. Each relevant section of the SDS shall indicate if the section covers nanoforms, which different nanoforms are covered, and combine each nanoform with the relevant safety information. Instructions for affixing the UFI label to SDSs have also been specified. If necessary, the UFI identifier shall be entered in section 1.1 of the SDS. In addition, for substances with a harmonized classification, a specific concentration limit, an M-factor, and an estimate of acute toxicity, if available, must be provided in section 3 of the SDS.

Furthermore, the requirements for SDSs for endocrine disruptors and mixtures have been amended. Section 2.3 provides information on endocrine disrupting properties of the substance. The endocrine disrupting ingredient must be indicated in section 3 of the SDS if its concentration exceeds 0.1%. Information on endocrine disrupting properties that cause health or environmental effects is provided in the new sections 11.2 and 12.6 of the SDS.

The regulation will enter into force on 16 July 2020 and will apply from 1 January 2021. The transition period for the new requirements is two years. This means that old safety data sheets can still be submitted until 31 December 2022.

Need help with chemical management or updating safety data sheets?

Ecobios chemical experts are here to help!

Interested in chemical management and managing safety data sheets easily and effectively throughout your organization? Get to know the Ecobio Manager SaaS service.

Contact: sales@ecobiomanager.com

Text: Anne Kallioinen, Ecobio Oy

Picture: Shutterstock

Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/FI/TXT/?uri=uriserv:OJ.L_.2020.203.01.0028.01.FIN&toc=OJ:L:2020:203:TOC

May 29, 2020

Minimize workplace safety risks during COVID-19

Are you aware of the risks caused by COVID-19 on your workplace? Does your company have a waterproof plan to manage them?

Our shared challenge is to make sure business works as usual, even in uncertain times. A safe workplace is not a matter of course. Many of us work in at least somewhat vulnerable working conditions. Most remote workers who are now returning to work can be exposed to the coronavirus (COVID-19) either on their way to, or at work. The global pandemic naturally raises a lot of questions in the work community that require clear answers and safe solutions from the leaders. By identifying and systematically managing the risks posed by a pandemic, you can build trust in the work community and ensure that your business works even in times of uncertainty.

How do I secure business continuity?

In order to ensure the profitability of your business it is important to identify what your business cannot afford to lose. Identifying and conserving critical resources and operations is necessary for a company to be able to avoid fatal losses during a crisis. Critical resources can be divided into six groups; employees, facilities, key functions, warehouses or special equipment, IT resources and key third parties such as investors, subcontractors, and suppliers. Identifying and protecting these critical resources will help you reduce your risks.

Developing a crisis strategy and strengthening operational reliability are an integral part of business continuity in uncertain conditions. The Ecobio Manager SaaS-service provides an easy-to-use and hands-on way to maintain reliability with the help of risk management and compliance tools. The tool can be customized to suit the needs and size of your business.

Identifying risks can help you understand how vulnerable your business is to the dangers of an epidemic. In particular small businesses have limited resources, which makes using them effectively essential.

Secure the safety of your workplace during COVID-19 with the help of the Ecobio Manager Risk Management tool

At Ecobio, we want to help companies worldwide to maintain profitable, responsible, and safe businesses where the employee’s health is taking care of. We, therefore, offer companies a free trial of the Ecobio Manager COVID-19 Risk Management tool for three months.

The Ecobio Manager SaaS-service offers a solution that utilizes industrial procedures to manage risks caused by the coronavirus at the workplace, but also other risks such as environmental-, occupational health and safety-, fire- and rescue risks. The service includes a tool for identifying bacterial and viral hazards and risk assessment, as well as a management plan. In addition, you can keep up-to-date with changes in COVID-19 legislation and regulatory guidelines. You can conveniently save your organization’s instructions or other essential guidelines to the service. You can also assess the compliance of your operations with laws, regulatory guidelines, and compliance with your own guidelines in the EU and US. The service helps your business stay up to date in a changing situation.

The COVID-19 Risk Management service package includes the following services:

Hazard identification, risk assessment and management of COVID-19 hazards as a cloud service
COVID-19 risk management training

If you want a comprehensive service for COVID-19 obligations management, you can extend risk management to include the following services:

Up-to-date regulation of COVID-19
Up-to-date authority guidance of COVID-19
Save and manage your own instructions
Compliance assessment tool

Send your company information & subscribe to the service: sales@ecobiomanager.com

Read more about Ecobio Manager: www.ecobiomanager.com

More news & blogs

January 22, 2020

Four new substances added to the SVHC Candidate List

ECHA has added four new substances to the Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC) due to their toxicity to reproduction and a combination of other properties of concern. This means that the Candidate List now includes 205 substances. Any supplier of mixtures or articles containing a Candidate List substance above a concentration of 0.1 % (weight by weight) has communication obligations towards customers down the supply chain and to consumers. The supply chain communication obligation is important for the whole supply chains of mixtures and articles in the EU.

The added substances are: Diisohexyl phthalate, 2-benzyl-2-dimethylamino-4′-morpholinobutyrophenone (used in polymer production), 2-methyl-1-(4-methylthiophenyl)-2-morpholinopropan-1-one (used in polymer production) and Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS) including its salts.

The first three substances are added due to their toxicity to reproduction. The fourth substance, PFBS, belongs to the group of per- and polyfluorinated substances, and is added due to its probable serious effects to human health and the environment. The first phthalate is not registered, the second and third substances are used in polymer production. PFBS is used as a catalyst/ additive/reactant in polymer manufacture and in chemical synthesis. It is also used as a flame retardant in polycarbonate (for electronic equipment).

Need help with chemical management?

Contact: info@ecobio.fi

Source: https://echa.europa.eu/fi/-/four-new-substances-added-to-candidate-list

December 19, 2019

Merry Christmas & Long live the Baltic Sea!

Merry Christmas!

Dear partner, we want to thank you for the past year and wish you a peaceful Christmas season and a successful upcoming year of 2020!

This year we have chosen to donate our Christmas gift to the Baltic Sea Action Group (BSAG), which is actively working to improve the state of the Baltic Sea and its biodiversity. The Baltic Sea is important both for the species involved in its unique ecosystem and the countries surrounding it. These countries are Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Russia, which are countries where also most of our customers are located at the moment. Due to the special hydrographical and climatic conditions, the Baltic Sea is especially vulnerable to changes and the natural environment of the Baltic Sea has degraded dramatically in the past years. By supporting BSAG we are able to give life to the Baltic Sea as a Christmas present. You can read more about BSAG and their Baltic Sea projects here.

Have a great Christmas season!

Best wishes, Ecobio team

The European Commission has approved the carcinogenicity classification of titanium dioxide dust

The European Commission approved the 14th technical adaptation of the CLP Regulation. It includes the classification of titanium dioxide as a Category 2 inhalation carcinogen. The substance is carcinogenic when inhaled in powders with a concentration greater than 1% and a particle size of titanium dioxide ≤ 10 μm.

The substance will then require a warning label with H351 warning phrase and a health warning pictogram. For mixtures a phrase EUH211 or EUH212 will be required. If approved by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers, the Regulation is expected to be published in early 2020 and will enter into force 18 months after its publication. The change will have a major impact on the industry, as titanium dioxide is used extensively in for example paints, colours, plastics, paper and coatings, including those used in consumer products.

The European Parliament and the Council will have two months to raise any objection to the publication of the Regulation. If the Regulation proceeds without objection, the amendments to Annex VI to CLP will enter into force within 18 months of the publication of the Regulation.

Do you need help in monitoring your company´s chemical obligations or in implementing classification changes? Our chemical experts will help you!

We can also provide you with new compliant safety data sheet templates.

Contact us today:

sales@ecobiomanager.com

Ecobio helps you balance business and nature

August 12, 2019

Directive on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment has entered into force

Directive (EU) 2019/904 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 5 June 2019 on the reduction of the impact of certain plastic products on the environment has entered into force on 2nd of July 2019.

The objectives of the Directive are to prevent and reduce the impact of certain plastic products on the environment, in particular the aquatic environment, and on human health, as well as to promote the transition to a circular economy with innovative and sustainable business models, products and materials, thus also contributing to the efficient functioning of the internal market.

The Directive applies to certain single-use plastic products, to products made from oxo-degradable plastic and to fishing gear containing plastic. The plastic products, which fall within the scope of the Directive, are listed in the Annex. The scope of the Directive also takes into a consideration the tendency of certain types of food containers to become litter. Requirements stated in the Directive apply to consumer products. Commission shall publish guidelines including examples of what is considered to be a single-use plastic product by 3rd of July 2020.

Implementation of the Directive demands a significant decrease in the consumption of the certain plastic products and a prohibition of placing on the market certain plastic products on the national level. In addition, product and marking requirements are to be tighten.

The implementation of the Directive requirements in the national legislation is to be brought into force by 3rd of July 2021.

Ecobio Manager – Effortlessly stay on track of the legislation amendments

Questions? Don’t hesitate to contact our experts:

info@ecobio.fi tai puh. +358 20 756 9450

July 23, 2019

Risk Assessment with Ecobio Manager

Have you noticed the new Risk Assessment tool in Ecobio Manager?

Ecobio Manager helps your company with statutory risk assessing.

Risk assessments are very important as they are a central part of a professional environmental and occupational health and safety management plan. The aim of the assessment process is to evaluate hazards and remove them or minimize the level of their risk by adding control measures. By doing this you can create a safer and healthier workplace.

With the help of Ecobio Manager you can easily conduct environmental, health and safety as well as chemical exposure risk assessments. Your organization can follow the most important risk factors and implementation of the risk control measures. Easy-to-use service helps you to determine the risks on your workplace. Ecobio Manager also facilitates authority processes while automatic risk calculation and responsibility delegation features enable time and cost savings. For chemical management customers, risk assessment provides an intelligent integrated solution with the chemicals list for evaluation. The system also automatically uses hazard statements for the chemical when determining the risk.

Other benefits of the tool:

Helps your company meet the legal requirements and makes regulatory inspections smoother.
The latest risk assessments are available to all workers.
Automated risk calculation saves time and resources.
You can easily allocate responsibilities for different tasks.

Interested in learning more about risk assessment and Ecobio Manager? Our experts are happy to help you any time.

Don´t hesitate to contact us!

sales@ecobiomanager.com