The REACH regulation and its impact on the export of furniture hardware to Europe

Simply put, violations can lead to product detention by customs, sales bans, recalls, and even hefty fines. Therefore, understanding and meeting REACH requirements is the "basic line of defense" for your products to successfully enter the EU market.

For example: Metal components (such as hinges, drawer slides, and handles) – electroplating layers, the metal itself, and welding points may release lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, and nickel. The electroplating process may introduce heavy metals, and nickel release can cause skin allergies.

Wood/fiberboard components (such as handle substrates and drawer bottoms) – engineered wood, adhesives, and surface coatings contain formaldehyde. Adhesives used in the production of engineered wood products are a major source of formaldehyde.

Plastic/rubber components (such as damping, foot pads, coatings) - PVC, rubber, plasticizers, flame retardants. Phthalate esters (DEHP, DBP, etc.), short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCP), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are added to plastics and rubber as plasticizers or flame retardants.