Article Data Collection Revision

Update to Chemical of Concern Data Collection for Article Registrations in WERCSmart

We are updating how Chemical of Concern information is collected in WERCSmart for Article (non-formulated) product registrations.


As part of this update:

  • Each Chemical Group will now include a “Not Applicable (N/A)” option. Selecting N/A indicates that there is no jurisdictional regulation applicable to the product type being registered that requires reporting for that chemical group.
  • Chemical of Concern data collection is being relocated to follow the UPC entry on the product record. This change ensures that Chemical Group questions are presented only when recipients selected for the registration participate in Chemical Group data requirements.


When completing your registration, please take care to:

  • Review each Chemical Group carefully
  • Select “Not Applicable” only when it accurately reflects that no applicable regulatory requirement exists for the product type
  • Ensure all selections are accurate for the regulations that do apply to your product


Accurate Chemical of Concern data is essential for proper regulatory evaluation and helps ensure your product is assessed correctly.


Thank you for your continued cooperation and attention to detail when submitting registrations in WERCSmart. If you have questions about this update or need assistance determining applicability, please contact your WERCSmart support representative.


FAQs

What is an “Article” in WERCSmart? 

An Article is a non-formulated product, such as textiles, household items, or finished goods that are not mixtures (for example, a dish towel).


Why is Article Data collection updated?

Regulations across the U.S. and Canada increasingly require information about specific chemical groups used in finished products. These requirements may include reporting chemical presence or complying with sales restrictions.


What information will I need to provide? 

Depending on your product, you need to:

  • Survey your suppliers of the product’s parts to determine whether specific chemical groups are present or not in the finished product; and
  • Provide a Declaration of Compliance document if testing or surveys of your suppliers have been conducted; or
  • Provide specific chemicals identified in the chemical group when present in the finished product.


What is a Declaration of Compliance and Requirements? 

WERCSmart collects information about whether an article product contains constituents that may be members of 6 Chemical Groups:

  • PFAS
  • Phthalates
  • Bisphenols
  • Heavy Metals
  • Fire Retardants
  • Formaldehyde


A Declaration of Compliance (DoC) is a document where your organization affirms that the product does not contain any chemicals in each group. If a product does contain a member of a chemical group, information about that chemical is collected to support regulatory compliance evaluations.


Acceptable DoCs must meet the following:

  • Created or printed on company letterhead that includes the corporate address
  • Dated within 12 months of the registration
  • Signed by an authorized representative of your organization


Will existing Article registrations need to be updated? 

Yes. If you have existing Article registrations, you will need to:

  • Update chemical group data to reflect current requirements beyond PFAS, and
  • Resubmit the registration for the revised assessment.


What does recertification mean? 

Recertification requires reviewing your existing registration, providing any newly required information, and resubmitting the registration to ensure it meets current program requirements.


When should I take action? 

You should review your registrations as soon as possible after the release to determine whether recertification is required.


Where can I find the Regulations for Articles?

Here are some helpful links to various regulations that shaped and supported the revision for Articles in the WERCSmart Portal:


Where can I get help if I have questions? 

If you need assistance:

  • Review the guidance provided within the WERCSmart Support Center.
  • Contact your WERCSmart support representative for help with your registration.