The European Union’s REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) has expanded its list of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) to 240 items. The SVHC list now includes 240 entries of chemicals that may pose risks to human health or the environment. Companies are responsible for managing the risks associated with these chemicals and providing safe use information to customers and consumers.
On January 23, 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) added five new chemicals to the candidate list. One of these chemicals is reproductive toxic, three have high persistence and bioaccumulative properties, and one exhibits both reproductive toxicity and high persistence, bioaccumulative, and toxic properties. These chemicals are found in printing inks and toners, adhesives, sealants, as well as in washing and cleaning products.
The agency also updated the existing entry of bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) on the candidate list to cover its endocrine-disrupting properties affecting the environment.
Under the REACH regulations, when a substance is listed in the Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) list, whether as a substance, mixture, or article, companies have legal obligations.
Substances listed in the Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) list must be disclosed to customers and consumers if they exceed 0.1% (weight by weight) in articles. Consumers have the right to inquire whether products they purchase contain substances listed in the SVHC list.
Importers and producers of articles containing substances listed in the SVHC list must notify the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) within six months from the date of listing (January 23, 2024). Whether supplied individually or in mixtures, suppliers must provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS) to their customers for substances listed in the SVHC list.
Under the Waste Framework Directive, if articles produced by companies contain substances listed in the SVHC list and exceed 0.1% (weight by weight), they must also notify the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). This notification will be published in the Substance of Concern in Products (SCIP) database maintained by ECHA.