REACH is one of the most comprehensive chemical safety regulations in the world, and it applies to virtually every product sold in the European Union — including packaging tape. If you are an importer, distributor, or brand using packaging materials in the EU market, understanding REACH compliance is essential.
This guide explains what REACH means for packaging tape, how to verify compliance, and why it matters for your supply chain.
What is REACH?
REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals. It is a European Union regulation (EC 1907/2006) that came into force in 2007. REACH requires manufacturers and importers to register chemical substances used in their products, and it restricts the use of substances that are hazardous to human health or the environment.
The regulation is managed by ECHA (European Chemicals Agency), which maintains a Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). As of 2025, the SVHC list contains 253 substances, including:
- Phthalates (DEHP, DBP, BBP, etc.) — commonly found in PVC plastics
- Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury) — sometimes in packaging inks and dyes
- Flame retardants (decaBDE, HBCDD)
- Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers
- Various organic compounds used in adhesives and coatings
Why REACH Matters for Packaging Tape
Packaging tape is considered an "article" under REACH. If the tape contains SVHC substances above 0.1% by weight (w/w), the manufacturer must provide safety information to recipients in the supply chain. If the tape contains substances on the authorization list, it may not be sold in the EU without specific authorization.
The key concern with plastic packing tape is that many plastic films and adhesives contain restricted substances:
- PVC tape often contains phthalate plasticizers (DEHP, DINP)
- OPP tape may contain residual solvents or additives
- Adhesives in some tapes contain SVHC substances
Kraft paper tape, made from natural paper and hot-melt adhesive, can be formulated to contain zero SVHC substances — making REACH compliance straightforward.
How to Verify REACH Compliance
When sourcing packaging tape for EU market access, follow these steps:
1. Request REACH Test Reports
Ask your supplier for REACH test reports from a recognized third-party testing laboratory. The report should cover all 253 SVHC substances and show results as "non-detected" or below the threshold limit.
2. Check the Testing Laboratory
Ensure the testing was performed by an accredited laboratory. Common accreditations include:
- TUV (Technischer Überwachungsverein) — German technical inspection association
- SGS — global testing and inspection company
- Intertek — multinational testing and certification
- Bureau Veritas — international inspection and certification
3. Verify the Test Report Number
Each test report has a unique identification number. You can verify the report directly with the testing laboratory to ensure it is genuine and not forged.
4. Check the SVHC List Version
ECHA updates the SVHC Candidate List periodically (typically twice a year). Ensure the test report covers the latest version of the list. A report that was valid 2 years ago may not cover all 253 current substances.
Our REACH Compliance
All Guangfeng Packaging tape products are REACH-compliant. Our testing was performed by TUV THURINGEN (Shanghai), a recognized TUV testing body. Key details:
- Report number: 8621.SHJ4.2606.2522C
- SVHC substances tested: 253 items
- Result: All 253 substances non-detected (compliant)
- Test date: June 2025
You can download our full REACH test report on our Quality Certification page.
Other Relevant EU Regulations
RoHS (Restriction of Hazardous Substances)
RoHS restricts the use of 10 specific hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment, but it also applies to packaging materials for electronic products. Our tape is RoHS-compliant — all 10 restricted substances (lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, PBB, PBDE, DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP) are non-detected.
CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging)
The CLP regulation requires hazardous substances to be classified, labeled, and packaged appropriately. Our MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) classifies our tape as a non-hazardous product, compliant with REACH/CLP requirements.
REACH Compliance Checklist for Importers
- Obtain REACH SVHC test reports (253 substances) from supplier
- Verify testing laboratory accreditation
- Confirm report covers latest SVHC Candidate List version
- Obtain RoHS test reports (10 substances)
- Obtain MSDS report
- Keep records for at least 10 years (REACH requirement)
- Communicate substance information to downstream customers if required
REACH compliance is not a one-time verification — it requires ongoing monitoring as the SVHC list is updated. Work with a supplier who can provide updated test reports when the list changes.
Conclusion
REACH compliance is essential for any packaging product sold in the EU market. By choosing kraft paper tape from a certified manufacturer, you can ensure your packaging meets regulatory requirements while also providing environmental benefits.
If you need REACH-compliant packaging tape for export to Europe, contact us — we provide full test reports and documentation with every order.