What is ChemSHERPA?

What is ChemSHERPA? A Beginner’s Guide to Material Declarations

Understand the format, its purpose, and how manufacturers use ChemSHERPA to meet REACH, RoHS, and global compliance requirements.

Why Material Declarations Matter in 2025 and Beyond

Today’s regulatory landscape demands more than basic compliance. Whether it’s REACH, RoHS, or PFAS restrictions, companies are being asked to prove what’s in their products—substance by substance, component by component.

That’s where ChemSHERPA comes in.

What Is ChemSHERPA?

ChemSHERPA is a standardized file format and data entry system designed to help manufacturers exchange accurate chemical substance information across global supply chains. It originated in Japan and is maintained by JAMP (Joint Article Management Promotion Consortium).

• It enables full material disclosure (FMD)
• Used by manufacturers, OEMs, and suppliers
• Supports compliance with regulations like REACH, RoHS, and CSCL

ChemSHERPA helps you collect, verify, and transmit material-level data—so you’re not just compliant, you're transparent.

Who Uses ChemSHERPA — and Why?

ChemSHERPA is widely adopted in:

• Electronics
• Automotive
• Industrial components
• Consumer goods

Why? Because companies in these industries must prove that their products don’t contain substances banned or restricted under:

• EU REACH (SVHCs)
• EU RoHS (10 restricted substances)
• China RoHS, TSCA, and more

ChemSHERPA vs IPC-1752A: What’s the Difference?

Verdict: Use ChemSHERPA if you work with Japanese or Asian suppliers, or if your clients demand it. IPC-1752A may be better for global flexibility, but ChemSHERPA is stricter and more standardized.

What Is a ChemSHERPA-CI File?

The CI stands for Component Information. A ChemSHERPA-CI file includes:

• Product ID, supplier details
• Full list of materials
• Substance composition
• Regulatory flags (REACH SVHC, RoHS)
• Unit weight per component

It's an XML file format that integrates into product compliance software and digital product passport (DPP) initiatives.

Why ChemSHERPA Supports REACH and RoHS Compliance

ChemSHERPA is built to align with global substance restrictions. Here’s how:

• REACH SVHCs: Flag any substance >0.1% w/w in articles
• RoHS: Check material data against 0.1% thresholds for Pb, Hg, Cd, etc.
• Export controls: Optional fields support Japan CSCL and other Asian regulations

No more chasing spreadsheets. With ChemSHERPA, your FMD data is structured, validated, and traceable.

Challenges with ChemSHERPA (and How to Solve Them)

Tip: Platforms like Acquis Compliance simplify ChemSHERPA-CI creation and supplier data collection—without manual file wrangling.

Internal Links (Add to Blog):

• Full Material Disclosure (FMD) Software
• REACH SVHC Compliance Guide
• RoHS Compliance Checklist
• Digital Product Passport Strategy

Final Thoughts: Is ChemSHERPA Worth It?

Yes—if your clients demand FMD, or you’re dealing with complex multi-tier supply chains. ChemSHERPA offers:

• Greater transparency
• Better data structure
• Easier compliance with global regulations

If your teams are still relying on outdated declarations or spreadsheets, this is your signal to modernize.