SCIP Database Explained — How to Submit and Search RecordsThe SCIP (Substances of Concern In articles, as such or in complex objects (Products)) database is a European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) system created under the EU Waste Framework Directive. It centralizes information on hazardous substances present in articles and complex products placed on the EU market. The goal is to ensure safer waste management, enable reuse and recycling without harm, and help downstream users, waste operators, and consumers identify products that contain substances of very high concern (SVHCs).
What “SCIP” covers and why it exists
- Scope: SCIP covers articles and complex objects (products made of multiple articles) that contain one or more SVHCs on the Candidate List and where the concentration exceeds 0.1% weight by weight (w/w) per article. It applies to products placed on the EU market, including consumer and professional articles.
- Purpose: The database provides information to waste operators, recyclers, and consumers so they can manage waste safely and make informed choices. It also helps authorities monitor and enforce chemical safety rules and supports the circular economy by improving traceability of hazardous substances through product lifecycles.
- Legal basis: Obligation to submit information to SCIP arises from Article 9(1)(i) of the Waste Framework Directive (2008/98/EC), as amended by Directive (EU) ⁄851.
Who must submit SCIP notifications
- EU manufacturers of articles and complex objects containing SVHCs above 0.1% (w/w) per article.
- EU distributors who supply such articles.
- Importers (economic operators bringing products into the EU) are responsible for ensuring a SCIP notification is submitted when applicable.
- Only one notification per article/complex object should be submitted by an actor in the supply chain (typically the first supplier placing the item on the EU market), but information should be kept accurate and updated by subsequent actors if they have additional data.
What information must be included in a SCIP notification
A SCIP notification must include structured data elements that allow identification of the article and the hazardous substance(s) present. Key elements:
- Unique product/ article identification: Includes product name, brand, and model identifiers (e.g., GTIN/EAN, supplier item number).
- Article category and description: Using standardised classification (e.g., eCl@ss) and a textual description.
- Presence and concentration of SVHC(s): Substance name (CAS and EC numbers), the concentration range or exact percentage, and the location of the substance within the article (part/material).
- Use and safe use information: Guidance for waste operators and recyclers, including safe handling and disposal recommendations.
- Company and supply chain information: Submitter contact and role (manufacturer, importer, distributor).
- Material data: Information about the material composition of parts containing the SVHC (e.g., polymer, metal).
Preparing for a SCIP submission
- Inventory your products: Identify all articles and complex objects placed on the EU market that may contain Candidate List substances above 0.1% (w/w) per article.
- Gather technical data: Obtain material declarations, supplier declarations, laboratory analyses, and bill-of-materials to determine presence and concentrations of SVHCs.
- Assign identifiers: Ensure each article has a clear product identifier (GTIN/EAN, internal SKU) and a consistent naming convention.
- Map article structure: For complex objects, break down into component articles and identify where the SVHC is located.
- Choose a submission route: Decide whether to use the ECHA Submission portal, use IT tools (UIs, APIs), or work with authorized third-party service providers.
Submission methods
- ECHA SCIP Submission API: For automated, high-volume or integrated workflows. Requires registration, technical setup, and adherence to ECHA’s XML schema.
- ECHA Submission Portal (web interface): Suitable for lower volumes and manual submissions. The portal guides you through form fields and validation checks.
- IUCLID & REACH-IT integration: Where appropriate, certain data can be prepared using IUCLID and submitted per ECHA instructions.
- Third-party service providers: Consultants and compliance platforms can prepare and submit notifications on your behalf.
SCIP data format and validation
- ECHA provides a specific XML schema for SCIP notifications. Notifications must follow ECHA’s data model and controlled vocabularies (e.g., unit codes, role codes).
- The SCIP Submission Portal performs validations and will return error messages for missing or invalid fields. Common validation issues include incorrect substance identifiers, missing concentration ranges, or incompatible article categories.
- Use the ECHA guidance documents and validation rules to reduce rejections.
Practical example: what to include for a smartphone
- Product identifiers: Brand, model name, GTIN.
- Article description: “Smartphone — touchscreen, battery, casing, printed circuit board.”
- SVHCs present: e.g., lead in solder (CAS x, EC y) — specify concentration range and part “PCB solder”; PBDE in polymer parts — state part and concentration.
- Use and safe-use info: “Remove battery before recycling; handle circuit boards with gloves; follow local e-waste processing guidelines.”
- Material data: Plastics used in casing, metals in connectors, glass in screen.
Searching SCIP records (for downstream users, waste operators, consumers)
- Public SCIP portal/search: ECHA provides a public search interface where anyone can look up SCIP notifications using product identifiers (GTIN/EAN), product name, or substance name.
- What you can find: Presence of SVHCs in specific products or product categories, concentration ranges, and safe use/disposal recommendations.
- Limitations: Not all products will be easily matched if identifiers are missing or inconsistent; manufacturers sometimes submit minimal identifying information to protect confidential business information (CBI), which can complicate searches.
Tips for accurate and useful SCIP records
- Use exact identifiers (GTIN/EAN, model number) where possible to make your notifications discoverable.
- Provide clear location information for substances within the article (which part/material), not just a generic statement.
- Update notifications promptly when product composition changes or when Candidate List substances are added/removed.
- Provide practical safe-use and waste management instructions aimed at downstream users and recyclers — these are among the most valuable parts of a SCIP record.
Common challenges and how to address them
- Supply chain data gaps: Request supplier declarations, include clauses in procurement contracts, and use laboratory testing where needed.
- Complex objects: Decompose into constituent articles and submit either for the whole object (if applicable) or per article where substances exceed thresholds.
- Confidential business information (CBI): Some submitters limit product-identifying details; balance protection of CBI with the need for waste operators to identify affected articles.
- High submission volumes: Automate with the API or integrate SCIP reporting into PLM/ERP systems.
Enforcement and penalties
Member States are responsible for enforcing SCIP obligations. Non-compliance can lead to administrative penalties under national law, including fines or restrictions on placing products on the market. Companies should treat SCIP as a regulatory requirement tied to broader REACH and waste-management responsibilities.
Future developments and evolving Candidate List
- The Candidate List of SVHCs is regularly updated; companies must monitor changes and reassess products when new substances are added.
- ECHA and member states may enhance the searchability and usability of SCIP data over time, improving access for recyclers and consumers.
Practical checklist before submitting
- Identify all articles/complex objects containing SVHCs >0.1% (w/w).
- Gather identifiers (GTIN/EAN, SKU), material and supplier data.
- Map parts of complex objects and specify substance locations.
- Choose submission route and prepare data following ECHA schema.
- Validate and submit via portal or API; fix any validation errors.
- Keep records updated and monitor Candidate List changes.
For detailed technical instructions, schema files, and submission portal access, consult ECHA’s official SCIP guidance and submission documentation on their website.
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