ECHACHEM | Progress with a twist
Last February, ECHA started launching their new chemicals information database, ECHACHEM. ECHACHEM aims to consolidate information from various legislations into one database in the future. The database is based on IUCLID, which makes it easier for ECHA to maintain and link because most registrations such as REACH already use the IUCLID format.
"for now, only the REACH dossier..."
Currently, ECHACHEM only contains data from REACH dossiers. Searching and finding the right information is a bit of a puzzle, and it's not always user-friendly, from our perspective. It requires quite a few clicks to reach a REACH dossier, and once found, it's more cumbersome to find the correct information. But we are optimistic, so we assume it's just a matter of getting used to it.
"the "old" ECHA database hasn't been updated for months..."
An important point of concern and a major advantage of the ECHACHEM database is that it is up-to-date. At least that's what we believe. The old database hasn't been updated since May 2023. As a result, the ECHA database may have contained "old" data in recent months. For example, a REACH dossier was updated with a new classification in June 2023. This change couldn't be traced until the launch of ECHACHEM in February 2024, except through the supplier/registrant's direct SDS.
Fortunately, the new data in the REACH dossiers will come to light in the coming weeks and months as ECHACHEM continues to be updated with new data. These new data may involve minor changes, but they could also mean that substances are subject to stricter classification. Take, for example, Diphenyl ether:
CAS No: 101-84-8 | Diphenyl ether
a substance commonly used in perfumes
Old ECHA database
H319 & H411
Source: https://echa.europa.eu/nl/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/14971/2/1
CAS No: 27859-58 | Tetrapropenyl succinic acid
intermediate | precursor
Old ECHA database
H315 & H318
Source: https://echa.europa.eu/nl/registration-dossier/-/registered-dossier/21749/2/1
"far-reaching consequences for products containing these substances as ingredients..."
Classification changes as mentioned hereabove can have far-reaching consequences for products containing this substance as an ingredient, but this also applies to the users of these substances.
Therefore, caution is advised when using the various ECHA databases. ECHACHEM is the new up-to-date source of information, and the old database is merely there as a reference or guide.
Of course, we will inform our customers about significant classification changes in new and existing products. Also, don't forget that regularly updating your SDSs is very important, especially considering all the changes in legislation, legal classifications, and adjusted REACH dossiers! If you have any questions, feel free to contact us via info@thesdsfactory.com.