What is REACH?
REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. It's an EU regulation (EC 1907/2006) that governs the import, manufacture, and use of chemical substances in the European Union.
While coconut charcoal is a natural product, it is classified as a "substance" under REACH and must comply with the regulation when imported into the EU in quantities exceeding 1 tonne per year.
Who Needs to Register?
Under REACH, the importer (the EU-based company bringing the product into the EU) is responsible for registration. However, as a supplier, you need to support your buyers with:
•Product composition data•Test results for SVHC substances•Safety Data Sheets•Cooperation during the registration processRegistration Process
Step 1: Identify Your Substance
Coconut charcoal is registered as "Carbon, activated" or "charcoal, coconut shell" under CAS number 7440-44-0.
Step 2: Gather Data
Required information includes:
•Substance identity and composition•Physical and chemical properties•Toxicological information•Ecotoxicological data•Exposure scenariosStep 3: Submit to ECHA
Registration is done through the ECHA REACH-IT portal. Fees vary based on company size and substance tonnage.
Step 4: Maintain Registration
Registrations must be kept up to date with new safety information as it becomes available.
SVHC Testing
Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) are chemicals that may pose serious risks to health or the environment. Your charcoal must be tested for:
•Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic)•Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)•Dioxins and furans•Pesticide residuesAcceptable Testing Labs
•SGS (worldwide)•Intertek (worldwide)•TUV (Germany)•Eurofins (EU-based)Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Requirements
Your SDS must include all 16 sections as specified by REACH Annex II:
1.Identification of the substance2.Hazards identification3.Composition/information on ingredients4.First aid measures5.Firefighting measures6.Accidental release measures7.Handling and storage8.Exposure controls/personal protection9.Physical and chemical properties10.Stability and reactivity11.Toxicological information12.Ecological information13.Disposal considerations14.Transport information15.Regulatory information16.Other informationPenalties for Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with REACH can result in:
•Shipment rejection at EU borders•Fines ranging from EUR 5,000 to EUR 50,000+•Product recalls•Bans on future imports•Reputational damage with EU buyersPractical Tips for Suppliers
1.Get pre-tested: Have your product tested for SVHC before approaching EU buyers2.Maintain documentation: Keep all test reports, SDS, and certificates organized3.Stay updated: REACH regulations evolve — the SVHC list is updated twice yearly4.Work with EU partners: Partner with an EU-based "Only Representative" if you export regularly5.Invest in compliance: The cost of testing and registration is minimal compared to lost businessKey Takeaways
•REACH compliance is mandatory for charcoal imports into the EU•Registration is the importer's responsibility, but suppliers must provide data•SVHC testing is non-negotiable — test with accredited labs•A proper SDS is required in the destination country's language•Non-compliance carries serious financial and reputational risks