The SIN (Substitute It Now!) List is an NGO driven project to speed up the transition to a toxic free world. The List 1.1 consists of 356 (updated in October 2009) chemicals that are identified as Substances of Very High Concern based on the criteria established by the EU chemical regulation, REACH. The SIN List is an important tool for speeding up the REACH legislative process, and is based on a straightforward concept: substitute hazardous chemicals with safer alternatives. Think of it as a fast track to a toxic-free world.

Substitute It Now!

The 356 (updated in October 2009) chemicals on the SIN List 1.1 are currently being used in everything from detergents and paints to computers and toys. Sometimes in high levels. Yet consumers have no knowledge of this. The SIN List puts pressure on legislators to move forward with speed and urgency. It provides progressive retail companies with a helpful list of hazardous chemicals to avoid as they aim for a sustainable future. It also challenges certain chemical companies to shape up.

The most hazardous chemicals according to EU legislation

The SIN List contains substances that are identified as Substances of Very High Concern according to REACH. These are substances that can cause cancer, alter DNA or damage reproductive systems. It also includes toxic substances that do not easily break down, but instead build up in nature - with a potential to cause serious and long-term irreversible effects.

A unique collaboration between NGOs and progressive businesses

The SIN List has been developed by ChemSec in close collaboration with leading NGOs in the EU and the US. Companies in the ChemSec Business Group have also contributed to the development of the list. The SIN List, a combined effort of public interest groups, businesses, scientists and technical experts, is based on credible, publicly available substance information from existing data bases, scientific studies and new research.

An ongoing project

The SIN List is a living, ongoing project that will evolve according to new developments and findings. It will be continuously updated as new information on dangerous chemicals becomes available.