On June 27, 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced the latest update to the Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs). With the addition of one new substance, the current SVHC list now contains a total of 241 substances.
New Substance Added to the SVHC List:
Bis(α,α-dimethylbenzyl) peroxide (EC Number: 201-279-3, CAS Number: 80-43-3) has been classified as toxic for reproduction (Article 57c) and is commonly used as a flame retardant.
Legal Obligations for Companies Using SVHC Substances:
Information Provision: Suppliers must provide customers and consumers with sufficient information to ensure the safe use of products containing SVHCs. This applies if the concentration of the substance exceeds 0.1% by weight.
Notification to ECHA: Importers and producers must notify ECHA if their products contain SVHCs above 0.1% by weight and if the total amount exceeds 1 tonne per year. These notifications must be made within six months from the date the substance is included in the list.
Safety Data Sheets: Suppliers must provide safety data sheets to their customers when supplying substances on the list, either on their own or in mixtures.
SCIP Notification under the Waste Framework Directive (WFD): Any supplier of an article containing an SVHC above 0.1% by weight on the EU market must submit a SCIP Notification to ECHA. This requirement has been in effect since January 5, 2021, and complements existing notification obligations under the REACH regulation.
SCIP Database and Notification Requirements:
The SCIP database holds information on substances of concern in complex objects (products). Any supplier of an article containing an SVHC above 0.1% by weight must submit a SCIP Notification to ECHA. This ensures that sufficient information is provided to consumers and customers for the safe use of products.
These updates aim to further regulate the use and management of substances containing SVHCs, thereby protecting both consumer health and the environment. Substances on the SVHC list generally have high hazard potential and must be handled and managed with care.
To access the official version of the SVHC list, visit the ECHA website.
