opesus Blog

Our experience working with customers from various industries shows that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to exchanging compliance information internally, with service providers, or within the supply chain. And yet, there is a universal need and wish for a structured yet adaptable approach that supports and complements the single source of truth. Especially if you consider the increasing complexity of regulations. This is exactly what our new solution, opesus Product Compliance Collaboration (PCC), aims to do – orchestrate the different channels and data sources in an efficient and auditable way.

Something's brewing - opesus has a new solution in the works and we can't wait to share it with you!

We caught up with Matt Dion, Product Owner of the new solution to share with us more about the new solution that is designed for collaboration in the world of product compliance.

Having companies submit notifications to the ECHA SCIP database about articles that contain substances of very high concern (SVHC) fulfills one part of the overall goal of the Waste Framework Directive. Through the collection of data via the SCIP database, authorities can monitor the use of SVHCs and take appropriate measures if they wish. In addition to that, the information provided to the SCIP database will be publicly accessible through the SCIP dissemination platform.

It’s been slightly more than a year since the UK left the EU on 31^st January 2020. The 11-month transition period ended on 31^st December 2020. What does this mean for companies moving their goods between the EU and the UK? This article explores Brexit and the SCIP Database.

In the context of the revised Waste Framework Directive (WFD), the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) was tasked to create a database of substances of concern in articles as such or in complex objects or products (SCIP database). The SCIP database was established to improve transparency on hazardous substances in articles. 

In Switzerland, the ordinance on protection against dangerous substances and preparations (ChemO) regulates the placing of substances and preparations on the market. The ChemO is largely similar to the European REACH and CLP regulations except when it comes to the part of registering substances.

The SCIP database requirements pose a challenge not just to companies in the EU, but also non-EU companies whose customers are in the EU. Companies not located in the EU are faced with requirements from EU customers as they face new regulations related to increased environmental pressure, such as the Waste Framework Directive. Hence, non-EU companies should understand the goals of the SCIP database and comply with its obligations. 

Twice a year, the Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC) is updated. The most recent update occurred on 19 January 2021. This brings the number of SVHCs to 211. However, when these unique substances are further broken down, the actual number of reportable substances including their substance groups is closer to 400.

The SCIP database is developed under the Waste Framework Directive (WFD) to take a step towards a circular economy. With the SCIP database, the product lifecycle is completed with information on substances of concern in articles. One of the things that are a hot topic of discussion is the dissemination of information and protecting confidential business information (CBI).