How REACH and CLP Impact the Selection of Chemical Raw Materials for Automotive Parts Production: A Guide for Buyers and Technologists

Photo: Cemrecan Yurtman / Unsplash

The manufacturing of automotive parts relies on a wide range of chemical raw materials – from plastic additives and adhesives to coating systems. However, the REACH legislation and CLP regulation impose strict requirements on manufacturers and their suppliers regarding safety, documentation, and substance classification. Incorrect raw material selection can lead not only to regulatory violations but also to technical issues in production, such as corrosion, poor adhesion, or contamination. How can you navigate these requirements, and what must you know before signing an order?

REACH and Its Impact on Raw Material Selection for the Automotive Industry

The REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) significantly influences the selection of chemical raw materials in the automotive industry. Its goal is to ensure a high level of protection for human health and the environment, which is reflected in the requirements for suppliers and component manufacturers. For buyers and technologists, this means that every raw material must be registered with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) if it is manufactured or imported in quantities exceeding 1 tonne per year. This also applies to mixtures and intermediates used in the production of components such as plastic parts, coatings, adhesives, or lubricants.

In practice, every raw material must be accompanied by a REACH registration number, confirming its compliance with legislation. Automotive component manufacturers often require suppliers to provide proof of registration to minimise the risk of supply chain disruptions. Special attention must be paid to substances on the Candidate List (SVHC – Substances of Very High Concern), which are subject to authorisation or restrictions. These substances may be banned in the future, necessitating a proactive approach in seeking alternative solutions.

CLP and Safety Labelling of Raw Materials in the Supply Chain

The CLP Regulation (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) harmonises the classification, labelling, and packaging of chemical substances and mixtures in the EU according to the GHS (Globally Harmonized System). For the automotive industry, it is crucial that CLP establishes uniform requirements for safety labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS), which must accompany every delivery of raw materials. Labels must include hazard pictograms, signal words ("Danger" or "Warning"), standard hazard statements (H-phrases), and safety instructions (P-phrases).

For technology and procurement professionals, it is crucial to verify that the supplier correctly classifies raw materials according to CLP. Non-compliance can lead to issues during transportation, storage, or processing, as well as legal complications. For example, some surfactants or coating additives may be classified as corrosive or irritant substances, which require special handling conditions. CLP also influences the selection of raw materials for interior components, where strict requirements are placed on volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and odor.

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Safety Data Sheets (SDS) as a Risk Management Tool

The Safety Data Sheet (SDS) is a fundamental document that the supplier must provide for every chemical raw material. For the automotive industry, the SDS is crucial not only in terms of safety but also for ensuring the compatibility of raw materials with production processes and final product requirements. The SDS must be prepared in accordance with Annex II of the REACH Regulation and contain 16 mandatory sections, including information on physico-chemical properties, toxicological data, ecological aspects, and disposal instructions.

Buyers and technologists should pay special attention to sections 2 (hazard identification), 8 (exposure limits and protective measures), and 15 (regulatory information). For example, in the case of plastic additives, it is important to verify whether the SDS contains data on thermal stability or compatibility with other materials. For raw materials used in electrocomponents, section 10 (stability and reactivity) is critical, as it lists the conditions under which undesirable reactions may occur. The SDS also serves as a basis for internal safety regulations and employee training.

Practical tips for buyers and technologists when selecting raw materials

When selecting chemical raw materials for the automotive industry, it is essential to proceed systematically. The first step is to verify the REACH registration with the supplier – ideally by requesting a copy of the registration certificate or a link to the ECHA public database. Next, it is necessary to check whether the raw material is on the SVHC Candidate List, which can be easily verified on the ECHA website. If it is, it is advisable to look for alternatives or request confirmation of low SVHC content (below 0.1% by weight).

Another important step is the analysis of the Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Focus on Section 3 (composition), which lists all hazardous components, and Section 12 (ecological information), which is crucial for meeting recyclability and ecodesign requirements. For raw materials intended for vehicle interiors, Section 9 (physicochemical properties) is critical, as it provides data on VOC emissions. Last but not least, it is advisable to consult the selection of raw materials with internal safety engineers or external advisors to avoid complications during the certification of the final product.

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Critical substances in automotive and REACH restrictions: What to monitor when purchasing

The production of automotive components relies on a wide range of chemical raw materials, from plastic additives and corrosion inhibitors to special coating systems. However, REACH has restricted or outright banned certain substances, directly impacting the availability and selection of raw materials. Among the most critical are phthalates (e.g., DEHP), which were previously commonly used as plasticizers in PVC interior parts. Since 2020, their use in concentrations above 0.1% by weight has been prohibited unless specific exemptions are granted. Similarly, lead compounds in soldered joints or chromates in anti-corrosion coatings are regulated. Buyers must verify when selecting raw materials whether the supplier provides alternatives with equivalent properties that comply with REACH restrictions while not compromising the functionality or lifespan of the component.

Another challenge is substances included on the SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) candidate list. If raw materials contain SVHC in concentrations above 0.1%, this information must be passed down the supply chain and, in some cases, to end customers. A typical example is perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) used in interior textiles for stain resistance. Technologists should request confirmation from suppliers that SVHC limits are not exceeded and simultaneously seek substitutes not listed on the candidate list. It is also important to monitor REACH updates, as the SVHC list expands—on average by 10–20 substances annually.

CLP and Safety Labeling Requirements in the Automotive Industry: How to Read Labels and What to Demand from Suppliers

The CLP Regulation harmonizes the classification and labeling of chemical substances across the EU, which is crucial for safety in the automotive industry. Labels on raw material packaging must include standardized hazard pictograms, signal words ("Danger" or "Warning"), H-statements (describing the nature of the risk), and P-statements (safe handling instructions). For example, raw materials containing flammable solvents (e.g., for adhesives or coatings) must be labeled with a flame pictogram and an H-statement such as "H225 – Highly flammable liquid and vapor." Buyers should verify that labels correspond to the current composition of the raw material and that the supplier complies with the obligation to update labeling within 18 months of a classification change.

In the automotive industry, it is particularly important to monitor substances with chronic effects, such as respiratory sensitizers (e.g., certain isocyanates in polyurethane systems) or substances toxic to reproduction (e.g., certain plasticizers). These substances must be labeled with the appropriate pictograms and H-phrases, such as "H334 – May cause allergy or asthma symptoms or breathing difficulties if inhaled." Technologists should require suppliers to provide not only correct labeling but also additional information on exposure scenarios, which are part of the safety data sheets. This enables an assessment of whether the raw material can be safely processed under specific production conditions, such as at high temperatures or pressures.

Integrating REACH and CLP into New Raw Material Approval Processes: A Step-by-Step Guide for Purchasers and Technologists

The approval of new raw materials for the production of automotive components must include a systematic assessment of compliance with REACH and CLP. The first step is to request that the supplier provides an up-to-date safety data sheet (SDS) and confirmation of REACH registration for all components of the raw material. Purchasers should verify whether all substances in the raw material are registered (for quantities exceeding 1 tonne per year) and whether they are not on the SVHC list. It is also necessary to check whether the raw material label corresponds to the classification under CLP and whether all relevant H- and P-phrases are included. If the raw materials contain substances restricted under Annex XVII of REACH, it must be verified whether the supplier provides an alternative solution or exemption.

The second step is a technical assessment of whether the raw materials meet the requirements for functionality and safety in the specific application. For example, in the case of plastic additives, it is necessary to verify whether a replacement for a prohibited substance (e.g., phthalates) does not affect the mechanical properties of the component, such as strength or resistance to temperature cycles. Technologists should conduct test series and evaluate the results according to internal standards. The final step is documenting the entire process, including records of communication with the supplier, test results, and the approval decision. This approach minimizes the risk of later issues with legislative compliance and ensures that new raw materials are safe for employees and end users.

Do you need verified raw materials with complete documentation?

GCG Group provides up-to-date Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and technical documentation for every chemical raw material supplied, in compliance with REACH and CLP. Our experts will advise you on selecting suitable alternatives and help ensure full compatibility with your production processes. Contact us – or browse our catalog of over 1,300 products right away.