Q: How do I read a REACH SVHC declaration for zipper parts?
A usable declaration names every article in the zipper separately: tape, coil or teeth, slider body, pull, top and bottom stops, and any coating or lubricant. For each it should state whether a substance on the candidate list is present above 0.1 percent by weight of that article, and give the substance name, the CAS number and the concentration. A blanket statement that the product complies tells you very little.
Check the version date against the current candidate list, because the list is updated periodically and an old declaration can miss a newly added substance. Check that the scope covers the finishes and colours you actually buy, and that the signatory is entitled to declare for the production site. Where a substance is above the threshold, you are entitled to enough information to use the article safely, and the supplier must answer within 45 days.
Keep the declaration with the technical file, note the list version it was written against, and refresh it at least once a year and whenever the alloy, dye or coating changes.