Substances of Concern In articles (SCIP) FAQs
Q1. WHY WAS THE SCIP DATABASE IMPLEMENTED?
Ans. The SCIP database is a result of the European Union’s (EU) Waste Framework Directive (WFD). the goal of SCIP is to create an eco-friendly atmosphere by decreasing hazardous waste substances. The increase in reporting transparency of hazardous substances in products enables better decision-making to substitute SVHC and handle them responsibly at their waste stage. This also helps in reducing SVHC risk to consumers and the environment.
Q2. IS THE SCIP DATABASE DIFFERENT FROM REACH?
Ans. Although the SCIP database uses the REACH Candidate List of Substances, they are two different reporting requirements. Organizations need to fulfill REACH obligation and SCIP data reporting requirements separately.
Q3. AM I REQUIRED TO USE THE SCIP DATABASE?
Ans. Many countries have made SCIP reporting mandatory, while a few are still working on imposing WFD in their law. You require to use the SCIP database if:-
Your organization produces products within the EU
Your organization imports products into the EU.
If the hazardous substance in the product is above 0.1 % concentration.
Using the SCIP database now will ultimately assist you to maintain access to EU markets in the long run.
Q4. WHAT SUBSTANCES AND INFORMATION MUST BE REPORTED IN THE SCIP DATABASE?
Ans. Substances and Information reported in the SCIP database must include the following:-
Article name
Primary article identifier like a section number
Article category
Manufactured in EU entered as yes/no
Characteristics and pictures
Safe use instructions
Complex object components
Concern element information including Candidate List substance, concentration range, and material or mixture categories
Q5. WHAT IF I HAVE PROPRIETARY INFORMATION I NEED TO PROTECT?
Ans. SCIP is well designed to protect confidential business information (CBI). It does not disclose the link between the information submitted and the legal entity who submitted the information. These provisions keep the supply chain information, identifying personal information, SCIP instructions are kept confidential, and they also protect legal trade secrets.
Q6. HOW DO I USE THE SCIP DATABASE?
Ans. Here are a few steps to be followed to use the SCIP database:-
To prepare data you got to use the IUCLID software. This software can be used online, through ECHA Cloud Services, or offline on your own computer.
ECHA online submission portal is used to prepare and submit the data.
A company requires a valid ECHA account for online submission.
Q7. DO I NEED SCIP TRAINING?
Ans. SCIP training is not mandatory. Although a SCIP training course makes data entry more efficient, navigate the system, understand how to create efficient reports, and saves a lot of time and money in the long run,
While not required, a SCIP training course can make your data entry more efficient and accurate, saving you time and money at the end of the day. The course includes multiple puzzles to check your knowledge and provides a professional certification upon completion.
Q8. IF I ALREADY HAVE DATA IN ANOTHER DATABASE, CAN I USE IT FOR SCIP?
Ans. The data collected for the product to comply with other standards makes it quite easy to use the same data for SCIP reporting if it is relevant. There are many options for the same. One of them being, to use system-to-system data transfer software. This allows the company to upload data directly in the SCIP database.
Our training includes modules on the way to specifically use your current data to report in SCIP.
Q9. HOW DO I COMPLY WITH SCIP AS A NON-EU COMPANY EXPORTING INTO THE EU?
Ans. Companies in the EU can report to ECHA with the help of SCIP. A non-EU company cannot access SCIP. If your company is exporting products into the EU, your importer company will ask you to provide the essential information required to fulfill those requirements.