Higg FEM 2023 module, these key changes should be noted, attached REACH update

With the arrival of 2024, many factories have started preparing or implementing the validation work of Higg FEM 2023 modules. Although the version is changing, it is not a problem for professional verification agencies and factories to cooperate and adapt to theversion. The editor has compiled several key points for everyone, and factories should pay special attention to them.

What are the changes in Higg FEM 2023 compared to Higg FEM 2022?

Higg FEM 2023 adopts Higg FEM 4.0 version, although self-assessment requires completing a complete Higg FEM 4.0 self-assessment (all FEM 4.0 questions, including Level 1, Level 2, and Level 3 questions), only verifying the core questions, i.e. using Higg FEM Core Verification, will not generate a complete score and does not require a chemical expert. An additional verification plan fee of $300 will be charged during verification, which will be collected by the verificationagency and transferred to SAC.

Is there a difference in the cost between Facility Foundations and Higg FEM?

For Higg FEM2023, the FEM2023 module purchased on the Worldly platform already includes two modules: Facility Foundations and Higg FEM. For first-time users using Higg FEM, they can choose to complete a complete Higg FEM or basic module self-assessment as needed. For users who have previously self evaluated or verified, only thecomplete Higg FEM can be selected.

Factories must comply with regulatory requirements for chemical management, and chemicals must be sourced from a positive list. Is there any update on the relevant list?

On January 23, 2024, the European Chemicals Administration (ECHA) announced the 30th update to the REACH candidate list, with 5 new substances of high concern (SVHC) added to the list, and 1 SVHC updated in its properties. Nowadays, the total number of SVHC in the candidate list has increased to 240.

From September to October 2023, ECHA held a public consultation proposing the addition of five substances to the SVHC candidate list, and at the same time, dibutyl phthalate (DBP) was proposed to update its SVHC properties. Now these five proposed new substances have been identified as SVHC and added to the candidate list.

Higg FEM has a score of 0, what is it and what should be noted?

If your factory does not have a valid operating permit or the required environmental permit, it will result in a zero score for the entire FEM as these are considered essential compliance practices that must be met.

You need to provide information on any rules or regulations that the factory needs to comply with, such as licenses, authorizations, licenses, registrations, certificates, or other compliance documents that your factory needs to comply with.

In addition to environmental permits, some factories may need to register/obtain permits for specific chemicals. Examples of non licensing requirements included include annual government reports and registration requirements for specific chemicals. For example, in some jurisdictions, purchasing potassium permanganate is controlled and requires registration with the police station. This is not a license, but a registration required by law.

Attention: The "Factory Site Information and License" section of FEM should be completed first, and then proceed with other parts of the module.