Reach SVHC List updated – 6 new substances added

On the 15 January 2019, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced six new additions to the REACH candidate list of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) having below properties

1. Carcinogenic, toxic to reproduction,
2. Persistent, bio-accumulative and toxic (PBT)
3. Very persistent and very bio accumulative (vPvB)
4. Endocrine-disrupting

The inclusion of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) was considered with the involvement of the Member State Committee (MSC). The PAH cases were referred to MSC based on submissions received during the REACH public consultation. With this addition, the total number of SVHCs under ECHA is increased to 197 from 191 substances.

The new substances included in the Candidate List are:

1. 2,2-bis(4′-hydroxyphenyl)-4-methylpentane (CAS no. 6807-17-6)
2. Benzo[k]fluoranthene (CAS no. 207-08-9)
3. Fluoranthene (CAS no. 206-44-0)
4. Phenanthrene (CAS no. 85-01-8)
5. Pyrene (CAS no. 129-00-0)
6. 1,7,7-trimethyl-3-(phenylmethylene)bicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-one (CAS no. 15087-24-8)

These substances are found in a variety of products from electronic and electrical appliances, toys, paints, chemicals and plastics. The companies are required to verify and identify if such substances are present in both semi-finished and finished products.

Any organisation involved in the manufacture or sales of products in the European Union (EU) will need to communicate the presence of SVHCs in their products above the concentration of 0.1% (weight by weight), within six months from the date of substance inclusion in the candidate list by ECHA, which for the latest update is January 15,2019.

All manufacturers/suppliers need to keep an active check on this SVHC list to stay compliant and avoid business continuity risks. If the manufacturer’s articles or products contain any substance included in the SVHC list above accepted concentration level, they need to fulfil the following obligations:

1. REACH article 33 : Communication of information on SVHCs to the entire supply chain
2. REACH article 7(2) : Notification of SVHCs to ECHA

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