Exercise Your Right to Information
Consumer products and their packaging may contain a wide variety of chemical substances. While most are harmless, exceptions can occur.
Under Article 33(2) of the REACH Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006), every consumer in the European Union has the right to request information about the presence of substances of very high concern (SVHC) in articles they purchase.
The Candidate List of SVHC is maintained by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and is updated regularly. If an SVHC is present in a product (article) above 0.1% by weight, the supplier is legally obligated to provide, free of charge, relevant safety information within 45 days of receiving the request.
This obligation applies to articles such as furniture, footwear, textiles, sports equipment, toys, and electronics. It does not apply to mixtures such as cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, paints, detergents, or food products.
How to Request Information
You can submit your request directly to the store where the product was purchased or contact the manufacturer/importer. Written requests are recommended. To ensure a complete response, the request should:
- Clearly state the name or description of the product in question;
- Specify that you are seeking information on whether any SVHCs from the Candidate List are present in the product or its packaging.
Refer to ECHA’s official website and the legal provisions under REACH when submitting your request to support your right to information and the supplier’s legal obligations.
What Information Should Be Provided?
REACH requires suppliers/manufacturers/importers to provide information on the safe use of supplied products. This information must include, at a minimum, the name of the hazardous substance contained in the product. This obligation applies only to substances of very high concern (SVHC) present in articles at concentrations above 0.1% by weight. Suppliers are not required to inform consumers about substances other than SVHCs contained in articles.
Similarly, there is no need to provide information when SVHCs are present at concentrations below 0.1% by weight of the article. They can do so on a voluntary basis.
What If No Response Is Received?
Suppliers are required to respond, even if their product does not contain SVHCs. However, studies show many suppliers remain unaware of their REACH obligations. By exercising your right, you contribute to improving awareness and compliance.
If no response is received within 45 days, you may contact the competent authority responsible for REACH enforcement in your Member State.
Additional Resources: