BMW GS 93008-2 Substances of Concern - Process Materials and Auxiliary Materials - Prohibited and Declarable Substances

Developed by BMW, a multinational vehicle manufacturer headquartered in Germany, the standard "BMW GS 93008-2 Substances of concern - Process materials and auxiliary materials - Prohibited and declarable substances" is intended to assist in testing the use of alternative substances. This standard serves as a tool for suppliers, manufacturers, and all BMW specialist departments to optimize the environmental compatibility of process materials and auxiliary materials.

The requirements in this standard are described as follows:

• All relevant national and international laws and regulations must be followed in the evaluation and approval of process materials and auxiliary materials.
• The supplier of chemical products is obliged to register all components in accordance with regulation 1907/2006.
• Products containing unregistered chemical substances are not approved by the BMW Group.
• The evaluation and approval of the above-mentioned substances and substance groups are carried out by the expert units responsible for the release.
• In order to minimise the hazard for people handling chemical products, the substances listed in section 5 are subject to internal prohibition and mandatory declaration by BMW, in addition to legal regulations.
• Prohibited substances are prohibited at BMW in general or for specific uses or within the company and must not be added to or released by products during their defined scope of use.
• Any impurity status regarding these substances is subject to mandatory declaration up to the detection limit (state of technology).
• Substances included on the REACH candidate list are prohibited for new developments. New developments are products that have not been used before by the BMW Group.

The primary objective of the GS 93008-2 standard is to regulate the content and emissions of hazardous substances in process materials and auxiliary materials used in the production of BMW vehicles. This standard ensures that suppliers and manufacturers comply with stringent environmental and safety requirements throughout the life cycle of these materials, from production to disposal. It addresses substances of concern, including declarable substances (those that must be reported) and prohibited substances (those that are banned due to environmental or health risks). The standard aims to:

• Minimizing the environmental impact of automotive production.
• Protecting human health by reducing exposure to harmful chemicals.
• Ensuring compliance with international regulations such as REACH for chemical substances used in the European market.

The scope of the GS 93008-2 standard covers process materials (e.g., adhesives, cleaning agents, and surface treatment chemicals) and auxiliary materials (e.g., lubricants and coolants) used in production. It applies to all suppliers and contractors in BMW's supply chain and ensures that materials meet stringent safety and environmental standards.

The GS 93008-2 standard outlines specific requirements for contractors and suppliers:

• Prohibited substances: Certain substances are prohibited due to their hazardous nature. For example, certain heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), or other chemicals considered harmful to health or the environment.
• Declarable substances: Suppliers are required to report the presence of substances listed under REACH or other regulatory frameworks. This includes providing detailed information on the chemical composition of materials upon BMW's request, even after delivery.
• REACH compliance: Contractors importing chemicals into the European Union must register, authorize, or notify BMW of substances falling under the REACH regulations. This ensures transparency and traceability of chemical use.
• Documentation and transparency: Suppliers are required to provide declarations and certifications to BMW to ensure compliance with legal obligations. This includes detailed reporting on the substances used in their products and processes.
• Lifecycle responsibility: The standard requires suppliers to comply with environmental and safety requirements throughout the entire life cycle of materials, from production to end of life.

The GS 93008-2 standard has evolved over time to reflect developments in environmental regulations and industry practices. For example, in 2009, it updated the requirements for prohibited and declarable substances in process materials.

This standard is part of a larger series, each addressing different aspects of hazardous materials management. For example, GS 93008-4 focuses on limits for constituents and emissions in materials.

These updates ensure the standard remains compliant with global environmental regulations and BMW's commitment to sustainability.

The GS 93008-2 standard is particularly important in the context of automotive manufacturing, where chemicals are widely used. Common applications include:

• Adhesives and sealants: These products, used to assemble vehicle components, must meet hazardous substance restrictions to ensure safety and durability.
• Cleaning solvents: Organic solvents, acids and bases used in surface treatments must meet stringent environmental and health criteria.
• Coolants and lubricants: Fluids such as engine coolants and hydraulic fluids must be free of prohibited substances to reduce environmental impact and ensure operational safety.
• Brake component cleaners: Products such as brake cleaners must be silicone-free and meet the GS 93008-2 standard to prevent hazardous emissions.

By regulating these materials, BMW ensures its vehicles meet high safety and environmental standards while maintaining performance and reliability.

Compliance with the GS 93008-2 standard is verified through rigorous testing conducted by accredited laboratories. These tests assess the presence of hazardous substances in process materials and ensure compliance with the standard's requirements. Testing services include:

• Chemical analysis to identify prohibited or declarable substances.
• Emission testing to assess volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful emissions.
• Material compatibility testing to ensure substances do not adversely affect vehicle performance or safety.

Suppliers are responsible for providing test results and certifications to BMW, ensuring full transparency and compliance.

The GS 93008-2 standard reflects BMW's broader commitment to environmental responsibility and social accountability. By implementing strict controls on hazardous substances, BMW aims to:

• Protecting workers and consumers from exposure to harmful chemicals.
• Reducing the environmental footprint of production processes.
• Promoting sustainable practices across the global supply chain.

This commitment also extends to BMW suppliers, who are expected to maintain similar standards in the areas of human rights, occupational health and environmental protection.

Implementing the GS 93008-2 standard presents challenges for suppliers, particularly regarding:

• Cost and complexity: Identifying and substituting hazardous substances can be resource-intensive and require advanced testing and reformulation of materials.
• Global supply chain compliance: Suppliers operating in different regions must navigate different regulatory frameworks while meeting BMW's requirements.
• Continuous updates: Keeping up with revisions to the standard and evolving regulations such as REACH requires constant attention and adaptation.

Despite these challenges, compliance with the GS 93008-2 standard is critical for suppliers to maintain their partnership with BMW and gain access to the global automotive market.

Consequently, the BMW GS 93008-2 standard is a cornerstone of BMW's efforts to ensure environmental compliance and safety in its production processes. By regulating hazardous substances in process materials and additives, the standard helps BMW meet global regulatory requirements, protect human health, and promote sustainable practices. Suppliers and contractors play a crucial role in implementing these standards by ensuring that BMW vehicles remain safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible throughout their lifecycle.

Our organization, which has been operating for many years and meticulously follows global developments in science and technology, employs a team of experienced professionals and a broad infrastructure to conduct testing, measurement, and analysis in a wide range of areas for businesses across all sectors. In this context, we also provide testing services in accordance with the "BMW GS 93008-2 Substances of Concern - Processing Materials and Auxiliary Materials - Prohibited and Declarable Substances" standard.