The document discusses the challenges of controlling substances of very high concern (SVHCs) in products within a free trade environment, highlighting a lack of knowledge about hazardous substances and their risks to humans and the environment. It emphasizes the need for increased information flow and regulation to manage these substances effectively and proposes a multi-stakeholder approach involving regulators, companies, and consumers. The document also mentions existing EU legislation on hazardous substances and ongoing initiatives aimed at promoting a non-toxic environment.

1. Substances of concern (SVHCs) in
products – whose job is it to control
these in a free trade world?
Helsinki Chemicals Forum
9 June 2017
Karin Kilian
European Commission
DG Environment
Unit for Sustainable Chemicals
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2. Lack of knowledge on the presence and fate of hazardous
substances in articles hampers
– identification of exposure sources
– assessment of risks for humans and environment
– effective risk management measures
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Unknown exposure situations
 for consumers during the use
phase
 for the environment during the
use and waste stages
 combined and cumulative
exposures
What's the problem? - On the general level:

3. What's the problem? - On the practical level:
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 Little systematic and widely available knowledge on
substance uses in articles
 Impossible to "test everything for everything"
 Technical difficulties to measure content in and release
from solid matrices
 Concentration on well-known problems (usually
restricted/banned substances), little knowledge
generation on other substances (unless supply chain
communication works)
Similar challenges for compliance (Companies) and
enforcement (Authorities)

4. What can be done? – and by whom?
 Intermediate aim: increase knowledge and information flow
about hazardous substances in articles
 Ultimate aim: address pollution at source, prevent use of
hazardous substances, "clean" materials
Needs combined efforts by all involved players:
International – awareness raising, common understanding
Regulators – set minimum standards, steer developments,
create incentives
Companies – compliance, supply chain communication and
education, frontrunner efforts, transparency
Consumers – informed choices, market pressure
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5. Substances in Articles - the role of Regulation
Triggers for regulation of substances in articles:
Health concerns for article users, waste issues
EU legislation on hazardous substances in articles:
 Substance restrictions/bans through product-specific
legislation (e.g. toys), REACH, waste legislation (RoHS)
 Communication on presence of hazardous chemicals
through REACH (SVHCs), waste legislation
Ongoing initiatives:
Circular Economy Action Plan, Non-toxic environment strategy
(linked to SDGs)
! Increasing focus on tracking and avoidance of hazardous
chemicals in articles! 5

6. This presentation does not necessarily reflect the official
opinion of the Commission.
For further information
please visit:
•eec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/reach
•c.europa.eu/enterprise/reach
•echa.europa.eu
Thank
you
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