Article 33 of the REACH Regulation defines the duty of companies to communicate information on Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) in articles. However, the regulation does not specify the format of this communication. In fact, to answer a request originating from a consumer, any supplier of an article containing SVHC above the concentration of 0.1 % weight by weight (w/w), shall provide the consumer with sufficient information to allow safe use of the article including, as a minimum, the name of that substance. The reply can be issued by any means available, but it is recommended to reply the consumer in a written format for instance via e-mail. Another, very practical way of informing consumer about the SVHC content of articles is via the AskREACH system developed by the LIFE AskREACH project.

As part of the solution, LIFE AskREACH has developed a database for article suppliers and an associated app for consumers in Europe. The database is open to all companies with a legal entity within the EU-27or EEA countries.

With the smartphone app, Scan4chem, consumers are able to easily check the SVHC content of an article or create a request for SVHC information on any article they are interested in, leading to a substantial increase of information requests to the suppliers of articles. More about the Scan4Chem app can be found in a dedicated section here.

As an article supplier, you will be able to provide the information on SVHC in your articles to the LIFE AskREACH database through the AskREACH supplier platform accessible here. The information will automatically be passed on to every consumer that checks one of your articles via the app, either by scanning the barcode of the article or by searching for the article name and/or supplier with the app. For articles without information in the database, the consumer can proceed with easy steps by sending an e-mail request to the supplier.

• Submit the correct e-mail address to which consumer SVHC requests are directed.
• Upload the SVHC information for all your articles in one step
• Consumers in Europe will automatically receive SVHC information on your articles – no workload for you concerning individual requests!
• You can provide additional information on your articles and their safe use
• Promote SVHC-free articles to your clients
• Update the article information, when needed (e.g. when the Candidate List is updated).

Article suppliers can submit SVHC information on their articles to the AskREACH database via the supplier platform.

Registration is easy and can be done with three simple steps!

1. Logging in
2. Create your company profile
3. Register your GCPs and article information

Find more details on how to regiser in the infograph

A GCP stands for Global Company Prefix. This is a series of numbers that is issued to identify your company if your company uses the so-called GS1 barcode system for your product management. By providing your GCP(s), you help consumers find your contact email address by simply scanning one of your barcodes. It is of course not mandatory and you can use the AskREACH platform without providing your GCPs.

You may use the provided manual of quick guide to help you through the AskREACH supplier platform.

If you need technical assistance or have questions related to the AskREACH solutions, please contact companies@askreach.eu.