The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has expanded the REACH Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs). The list now contains 253 entries of chemicals that may harm human health or the environment.
This update reinforces the EU’s focus on responsible chemicals management and increased transparency across global supply chains.
Companies are responsible for identifying these substances in their products, managing associated risks, and providing customers with information on safe use.
Problem: Rising Use of Hazardous Chemicals
The use of hazardous chemicals in industrial processes and consumer products continues to increase, posing risks to both the environment and human health.
Many substances remain in circulation due to their functional value in manufacturing, even though long-term exposure may lead to:
- Organ damage
- Reproductive toxicity
- Environmental persistence
While these substances support product performance and production efficiency, they also create compliance, health, and sustainability concerns. The expansion of the Candidate List reflects ongoing efforts to monitor and manage such risks.
Benefits of the Candidate List Update
The addition of new SVHCs provides several regulatory and strategic advantages for organizations:
- Improved regulatory transparency across supply chains
- Early risk identification, enabling companies to evaluate substitutes or alternative strategies
- Stronger alignment with ESG and sustainability goals, especially in chemicals management
- Increased stakeholder confidence, including regulators, investors, and customers
Organizations that identify high-risk substances early are better positioned to manage compliance proactively rather than reactively.
Effects of Newly Added Substances
The newly added substances are associated with significant health concerns, including:
- Long-term human health risks
- Reproductive toxicity
- Specific target organ toxicity following repeated exposure
Inclusion in the Candidate List triggers obligations under REACH, such as:
- Updates to safety data sheets
- Communication of safe-use information
- Increased documentation and traceability
Although these substances are not yet restricted, their presence on the Candidate List indicates a higher likelihood of future authorisation requirements.
Business Impact
Corporate Compliance
Companies must assess whether SVHCs are present in their substances, mixtures, or articles.
Key obligations include:
- Communicating SVHC content above 0.1% (w/w) to downstream users and consumers
- Notifying ECHA where applicable
- Submitting information to the SCIP database if required
Sustainability Strategies
- Products containing SVHCs may not qualify for certain green certifications
- There is growing pressure to replace hazardous substances with safer alternatives
- Chemicals management plays an increasing role in ESG reporting
Supply Chain Considerations
- Increased due diligence and supplier engagement
- Greater focus on material transparency and traceability
- Stronger documentation requirements
The expansion of the REACH Candidate List highlights the EU’s commitment to responsible chemicals management and sustainable production.
For organizations, this development represents both a compliance requirement and a strategic opportunity.
Companies that act early by assessing exposure, strengthening supply-chain communication, and exploring safer alternatives can reduce risk while supporting long-term sustainability and ESG goals. Proactive engagement with REACH obligations is essential for maintaining market access, operational continuity, and corporate credibility.
ComplianceXL supports organizations in navigating REACH Candidate List updates through substance assessments, SVHC identification, SCIP notifications, and supply-chain communication support. By partnering with the right compliance experts, companies can move from reactive compliance to a more proactive and sustainable chemicals management approach.
FAQs:
1. What does inclusion in the Candidate List mean for companies?
It introduces legal communication and notification obligations and signals possible future authorisation or restriction requirements.
2. Do companies need to stop using these substances immediately?
No. However, future authorisation may be required, so early planning is recommended.
3. How does this affect ESG and sustainability reporting?
The presence of SVHCs can negatively impact sustainability metrics, eco-labels, and stakeholder perception.
4. What actions should compliance teams take now?
- Assess substances and articles
- Update documentation and safety data
- Evaluate substitution options
- Strengthen supplier communication
5. Does this apply to companies outside the EU?
Yes. Non-EU companies exporting products into the EU must comply with REACH requirements.
