How to identify restricted or banned exports or imports - step-by-step
The European Joint Research Centre maintains an on-line database of restricted chemicals.
Here’s how to identify which chemicals you need to look up.
- If you export or import substances, look each one up
- If you export or import preparations, you only need to check the substances that are present at a concentration that triggers labelling.
- If you export or import articles:
- This is a difficult area in which a case-by-case approach must be taken. Articles may be in scope if they contain or include substances that are listed in Parts 2 or 3 of Annex I. If the article contains or includes a preparation then you only need to check the substances that are present at a concentration that triggers labelling
- Check that the use of a chemical in an article is not subject to a restriction or ban. Annex XVII of REACH lists the restrictions and bans on chemicals including their use in articles where appropriate.
- Check whether the article itself is listed in Annex V, e.g. mercury containing soaps. Got to http://edexim.jrc.it and click left hand link 'Annex V to display list.
Here’s how to search the database
- If you can, find a unique identifying number for the chemical. This is either the Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) number or the European Inventory of Existing Commercial Substances (EINECS) number.
- Go to http://edexim.jrc.it/
You will see this screen
- Click Search for chemical - top left link
You will see this screen
- Enter the CAS or EINECS number or find the name of the chemical in the drop-down list.
You may be more familiar with Combined Nomenclature (CN) codes as chemical identifiers, but do not type CN codes in here.
- If you cannot find the chemical name in the drop-down list, this
may be because it is not listed. However, some chemicals are referred to by different names or as part of a group of chemicals (e.g. nonylphenolethoxylates). Check the guidance on finding CAS or EINECS numbers, which are more specific identifiers.
- If the substance you searched by CAS or EINECS number is not listed, you will see ‘Warning: EC or CAS not found’. If you are certain that, the number is correct and entered correctly then for this substance, you only have to comply with general export requirements.
- If the chemical you searched for is listed, e.g. aldicarb,
CAS no. 116-06-3, EINECS no. 204-123-2, you will see a screen like this.
This states which parts of Annex I the substance is listed in. Aldicarb is listed in Parts 1 and 2. You will also find the EU classification from the Dangerous Substances Directive 67/548/EEC.
- If the substance is listed in Annex V, you will see the statement ‘Listed in Annex V. It is not possible to export this chemical.’
- Repeat this process for all the chemicals you are proposing to export or import.
Guidance on classification and labelling