Gaskets and O-rings compliant with GADSL - what you need to know? Complete guide

In today's world consumers pay more attention to the products they buy and use. Companies in the automotive industry must meet product safety and environmental protection requirements.

What is GADSL?

GADSL (Global Automotive Declarable Substance List) is a global list of substances subject to declaration in the automotive industry. In fact, GADSL is a database that contains information on over 3,000 chemical substances used in car production that may be regulated in different parts of the world. The GADSL list simplifies compliance reporting, helps manage risk and provides a competitive advantage.

The GADSL list is regularly updated. It is published by the automotive industry, automotive parts suppliers and the chemical industry. This voluntary system of reporting substances in parts and materials is intended to facilitate communication and information exchange regarding the use of certain chemical substances in the automotive industry across the supply chain. The automotive industry worldwide uses the GADSL list so that companies can find out whether the products they offer contain hazardous substances whose use may be restricted or whose restriction has been requested by customers. It is worth noting here that using the global list of declarable substances is not mandatory.

Why is the GADSL list so important?

The GADSL list enables identification and control of potentially harmful substances in accordance with global regulations such as REACH and RoHS. The declarable substances list was developed by a group of experts from the global automotive industry. It allows control and declaration of chemical substances in the supply chain and is also crucial for meeting material compliance reporting requirements. The purpose of creating the hazardous substances list is to increase transparency regarding chemicals used in vehicle production.

All materials and substances included in the Global Automotive Declarable Substance List are either subject to declaration or are banned.

Automakers appreciate the GADSL database because:

• it provides regulatory compliance - the GADSL list ensures sustainable development in the automotive industry. Automotive companies declare materials and substances that comply with regional and international substance control regulations, such as REACH. They meet legal requirements as well as safety and environmental standards.

• it ensures sustainable development in the automotive industry - the list of declarable substances enables management of chemical risk. It limits or eliminates the use of substances that pose a threat to human health or have an impact on the environment.

• it provides supply chain transparency - in the global production chain the automotive industry requires solid communication. This is necessary to deliver products to customers on time. Thanks to transparency, manufacturers have insight into materials, which enables better management of restricted substances. GADSL also supports initiatives and encourages companies to seek alternative materials and adopt alternative production processes that are more sustainable.

The automotive industry and compliance with GADSL influence increased competitiveness. Companies that actively manage chemical risk uphold commitments to safety, regulatory compliance and environmental responsibility.

Banned and declarable substances in GADSL

The aim of GADSL is to create a list of substances requiring composition declaration for specific companies in the automotive industry. Declarable substances in the automotive industry include only substances whose use in vehicle parts may pose a threat to human health and the environment. The list of declarable substances is intended to help manage these potential hazards.

Declared substance classification - GADSL categories

Substances subject to notification present in a material or vehicle part in the GADSL classification are marked as "P" or "D". On the GADSL list substances are classified as prohibited "P" or declarable "D".

Classification "D"

These are declarable substances in the automotive industry marked when they exceed certain threshold values of 0.1 g/100 g (by weight) in the case of homogeneous materials or when there is a likelihood that they will be present in the final product.

Classification "P"

Substances declared in the automotive industry as "P" are prohibited for all automotive applications due to their potential impact on human health and the environment.

It is worth emphasizing that the same substance may be declared as "P" in one end use and as "D" in another. Materials and substances marked as D/P have both permitted and prohibited uses, at least in one region.

Seals and O-rings and the GADSL list

Rubber gaskets and O-rings are subject to GADSL declaration if they contain substances that must be reported to automakers. In the design and material specification process of seals it is necessary to take into account the requirements regarding declarable and banned substances.

To ensure full compliance with the Global Automotive Declarable Substance List, seal manufacturers must maintain a transparent automotive supply chain and provide material documentation in the IMDS format. IMDS (International Material Data System) is the International Material Data System in which information about materials and chemical substances used in vehicle production is collected, analyzed and archived.

In practice, this means maintaining appropriate transparency throughout the automotive supply chain so that information about the material composition of seals and O-rings can be correctly passed between suppliers and manufacturers.

GADSL seals and O-rings available in the Power Rubber store

By investing in GADSL-compliant rubber gaskets and O-rings, customers can be confident that the manufacturer uses safe chemical substances in its production processes and complies with industry regulations and standards. The Global Automotive Declarable Substance List also serves as a harmonized industry standard in which understanding chemical substances and sustainable development in the automotive industry is extremely important. It definitely also facilitates communication in the automotive supply chain.

From the point of view of quality and durability, compliance with GADSL requirements cannot reduce sealing performance parameters - ensuring reliable tightness, chemical compatibility and thermal stability remains the priority when selecting the appropriate rubber compound.

In the Power Rubber store we offer a wide selection of high-quality seals and sealing rings of the O-ring type. When buying from our store customers can be sure that the components used meet the quality and environmental requirements demanded in the automotive industry.

We guarantee professional technical advice. We invite you to contact us by phone at  +48 22 292 40 24 or +48 505 16 03 03, by e-mail (Power|PowerRubber.com| |Power|PowerRubber.com) or via our contact form.