On January 21, 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) expanded the Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) by adding five hazardous chemicals and updating one existing entry. With this update, the Candidate List now contains 247 entries, highlighting chemicals that pose potential risks to human health and the environment.
The primary goal of this update is to ensure companies effectively manage the risks associated with these substances and provide essential safety information to customers and consumers.
The newly added substances to the REACH SVHC Candidate List are:
- 6-[(C10-C13)-alkyl-(branched, unsaturated)-2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl] hexanoic acid
- O,O,O-triphenyl phosphorothioate
- Octamethyltrisiloxane
- Perfluamine
- Reaction mass of triphenylthiophosphate and tertiary butylated phenyl derivatives
These substances have been added due to their hazardous properties. Two of them are classified as very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB), while another two exhibit persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) characteristics. The reaction mass of triphenylthiophosphate and tertiary butylated phenyl derivatives, despite not being registered under REACH, has been identified as an SVHC to prevent regrettable substitution.
Additionally, the existing entry for Tris(4-nonylphenyl, branched and linear) phosphite has been updated to indicate its endocrine-disrupting properties when it contains ≥ 0.1% w/w of 4-nonylphenol (branched and linear, 4-NP).
Industry Impact :
The newly added SVHCs are commonly used in lubricants, adhesives, sealants, and coatings. They also play a role in manufacturing cosmetics, personal care products, pharmaceuticals, electrical and electronic equipment, optical devices, machinery, and vehicles.
Effects and Compliance Requirements
The inclusion of these substances in the Candidate List encourages companies to seek safer alternatives. Under REACH regulations:
- Suppliers of articles containing SVHCs above 0.1% w/w must provide safety data sheets and clear usage instructions to their customers.
- Within six months of a substance’s inclusion, manufacturers and importers must notify ECHA if their products contain any newly listed SVHCs.
- Increased regulatory scrutiny may impact supply chains, especially for downstream users.
- Substances on the Candidate List may eventually be added to the Authorization List, meaning companies would need explicit approval from the European Commission to continue using them.
Compliance XL offers expert consulting and training services to assist businesses in achieving REACH compliance. Our team supports companies in collecting and managing REACH declarations, ensuring that supplier certificates remain up to date and compliant with regulatory requirements.
FAQs:
1. What is the one updated entry in the REACH Candidate List?
The entry for Tris(4-nonylphenyl, branched and linear) phosphite has been revised to reflect its classification as an endocrine disruptor, particularly when it contains ≥ 0.1% w/w of 4-nonylphenol (branched and linear, 4-NP).
2. Which newly added SVHC has no active registrations but is still included in the list?
The reaction mass of triphenylthiophosphate and tertiary butylated phenyl derivatives has been added despite having no active REACH registrations, as a precautionary measure to prevent regrettable substitution.
