REACH Compliance Testing Explained: SVHC, Siloxanes, and Material Analysis

In many cases, testing ranges from approximately $400 to $2,000 per substance tested.

Costs can increase if multiple regulated substances must be analyzed within the same product. For example, if four separate chemical groups require testing, the total project cost may reflect four individual analyses.

A targeted testing strategy based on material composition can help keep costs manageable while still meeting compliance requirements.

Yes—for portions of it. It really comes down to understanding the material’s composition and knowing what you actually need to test for.

There are thousands of substances on the REACH list, so you wouldn’t realistically test for everything. Instead, if you have supplier information or a formulation breakdown that shows what’s in the material, that data can be used to narrow the scope.

For example, if your supplier provides a full composition, you may be able to determine that most listed substances aren’t present and focus only on a small number of relevant risks. In that case, instead of testing for thousands of possible chemicals, you might only need to test for a handful of specific ones.

So supplier data doesn’t always replace testing entirely, but it can be very useful as supporting documentation to limit what actually needs to be tested and make the process much more targeted and efficient.

REACH testing involves specialized analytical methods designed to detect regulated substances at extremely low concentrations. The exact test method depends on the chemical group being evaluated and the material composition of the product.

Common analytical techniques may include:

• GC-MS analysis for volatile organic compounds and siloxane testing
• ICP-OES for trace metal analysis
• FTIR for material identification
• Extraction and chromatographic methods for SVHC screening

Because every material behaves differently, experienced laboratories evaluate the product matrix first to determine which substances are realistically present and which analytical methods are most appropriate.

The best place to start is with your material formulation and supplier information.

Reviewing raw material data, technical data sheets, and supplier disclosures can help identify whether certain substances may be present. This information is often used to narrow down which chemicals actually require laboratory analysis.

However, supplier documentation alone is not always enough for full compliance verification. Analytical testing may still be necessary to confirm that restricted substances remain below allowable limits.

Working with an experienced testing laboratory can help determine which substances are relevant to your product, what testing is necessary, whether supplier documentation is sufficient, and how to minimize unnecessary testing and costs.

Since the REACH regulation covers thousands of substances, companies do not typically test every product for every chemical on the list.

Instead, the process begins by evaluating the product’s material composition. Laboratories examine the material “matrix”—the ingredients, additives, oils, polymers, and other components used to manufacture the product—to determine which substances may realistically be present and fall under REACH regulations.

Testing is then focused on the chemicals that are actually considered potential risks for that product.

This targeted approach allows companies to focus only on the substances that are relevant to their materials, helping reduce unnecessary testing costs while still supporting REACH compliance requirements.

If your product is being sold, distributed, or exported into the European Union, REACH compliance is likely required.

In many cases, companies need testing and documentation even when supplying components to another manufacturer. A part made in the United States may eventually become part of a finished product sold in Europe, creating downstream compliance obligations.

Even businesses that do not currently ship into Europe may choose to test proactively to avoid delays, supply chain disruptions, or last-minute customer requests.

SVHC stands for Substance of Very High Concern.

When regulators identify a chemical that may pose a risk to human health or the environment, it can be added to the SVHC candidate list while further evaluation is underway. These substances are closely monitored and may eventually face stricter regulations or restrictions.

Under REACH, SVHC substances typically carry a reporting threshold of 0.1% by weight. If a product exceeds that limit, companies may be required to provide documentation, notifications, or additional compliance information.

For manufacturers, this means understanding the composition of your materials is critical. Even trace amounts of certain chemicals can trigger compliance requirements if they exceed established thresholds.

Because the SVHC list continues to evolve, ongoing awareness and periodic review are important for companies selling into European markets.

Siloxane testing is used to identify and quantify volatile siloxane compounds that may be present in silicone-based materials and products.

Certain siloxanes are regulated or monitored under REACH due to environmental and health concerns. Manufacturers working with silicone materials may require siloxane analysis to support regulatory compliance, customer specifications, or internal quality requirements.

• Siloxane testing can be especially important for:
• Silicone elastomers
• Medical and consumer products
• Coatings and sealants
• Industrial silicone formulations

At ACE Laboratories, specialized siloxane analysis methods are used to help manufacturers evaluate material composition, identify potential contamination concerns, and support REACH compliance initiatives.

REACH regulates thousands of substances, with new materials continuously being evaluated and added to the program. Some commonly restricted or monitored substances include:

• Phthalates
• PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons)
• Nitrosamines
• Heavy metals
• PFAS compounds
• Siloxanes

The specific substances that matter most depend on the type of material being evaluated. For example:

• Rubber materials are often evaluated for the presence of nitrosamines.
• Plastic compounds may contain phthalates or PAHs from oils and additives used during processing.
• Silicone-based products are commonly tested for siloxanes.
• Metal-containing materials may require heavy metal analysis.

REACH restrictions are based on concentration limits, which vary depending on the substance and application.

REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals. It is a European Union regulation designed to protect human health and the environment from potentially harmful chemicals used in products and manufacturing processes.

Any company that manufactures, imports, sells, or exports products into the European Union may need to comply with REACH requirements. This includes businesses that produce finished products, components, raw materials, or chemical formulations.

REACH applies across a wide range of industries, including:

• Cosmetics and personal care
• Rubber and plastics
• Automotive
• Electronics
• Industrial manufacturing
• Consumer goods

Even if your company is not directly selling into Europe, REACH can still affect you. Many suppliers and manufacturers discover they need compliance documentation when their products eventually become part of a larger assembly exported into the EU supply chain.