Supporting Chemical Safety in the European Market

As regulatory requirements in the European Union continue to evolve, chemical safety has become an essential consideration for packaging used in smoke alarms and fire safety products.
Beyond product performance and compliance with standards such as EN 14604, European distributors increasingly expect packaging materials to meet REACH requirements.

What Is REACH and How Does It Apply to Packaging?

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) is an EU regulation designed to protect human health and the environment from the risks posed by hazardous chemicals.

In packaging applications, REACH does not certify the smoke alarm itself, but applies to materials that may contain chemical substances, including:

• Printing inks
• Adhesives and glues
• Coatings and surface treatments
• Plastic packaging components

For this reason, REACH compliant inks and adhesives for packaging are a key focus when designing packaging for the EU market.

Key Requirements for REACH Compliant Packaging

To meet REACH requirements, packaging materials must:

• Restrict Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC), such as heavy metals and certain plasticizers
• Ensure SVHC content does not exceed regulatory thresholds
• Use inks and adhesives that comply with current REACH substance lists
• Allow suppliers to provide REACH compliance declarations or material safety documentation

REACH compliance is typically demonstrated through documentation, rather than logos printed on the packaging.

Why REACH Compliance Matters for Smoke Alarm Packaging

For smoke alarm manufacturers and distributors, REACH compliant packaging offers several important advantages:

• Meets mandatory EU chemical safety regulations
• Reduces compliance risks during customs checks and market surveillance
• Supports distributor audits and ESG requirements
• Enhances trust in smoke alarm and fire safety product packaging

REACH compliance complements product standards such as EN 14604, which focus on safety and performance, by addressing chemical safety in packaging materials.

Applicable Markets and Standards

REACH compliant packaging is mandatory in the European Union and is widely expected by:

• European distributors
• Retail chains and commercial project buyers
• Public-sector and residential smoke alarm projects

REACH also influences packaging requirements in the UK, through UK REACH, which follows similar principles after Brexit.

Deheng’s Approach to REACH Compliant Packaging

As a manufacturer of smoke alarms and fire safety devices, Hangzhou Deheng Smart Electric is continuously:

• Assessing suppliers of REACH compliant inks and adhesives for packaging
• Reviewing packaging materials used for EU-bound smoke alarm products
• Exploring environmentally responsible packaging solutions that align with REACH regulations

Our goal is to provide packaging options that meet regulatory expectations while supporting long-term sustainability.

Conclusion

REACH compliant packaging materials for European distributors play a critical role in ensuring chemical safety within the smoke alarm supply chain.
By using REACH compliant inks and adhesives for packaging, manufacturers can reduce regulatory risk and better meet European market requirements.