On 21 January 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced the addition of five new substances to the Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC), bringing the total to 247 entries. This increase reinforces ECHA's commitment to regulating chemicals that may pose significant risks to human health and the environment.
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ECHA: New substances added and their impact
The substances recently added to the list include compounds used in key industrial sectors such as cosmetics, automotive and electronics manufacturing. These include:
6-[(C10-C13)-Alkyl-(branched, unsaturated)-2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-1-yl]hexanoic acid : Known for its reproductive toxicity, this substance is found in lubricants, greases, and metalworking fluids.
O,O,O-Triphenyl phosphorothioate : Classified as Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic (PBT), it is commonly used in industrial lubricants.
Octamethyltrisiloxane : Considered Very Persistent and Very Bioaccumulative (vPvB), present in cosmetics and personal care products.
Perfluamine : Also classified as vPvB, it is found in electrical and electronic equipment.
Reaction mass of triphenylthiophosphate and tertiary butylated phenyl derivatives : Marked as PBT, no declared uses at present.
Additionally, the entry for Tris(4-nonylphenyl, branched and linear) phosphite has been updated to reflect its classification as an endocrine disruptor, implying increased regulatory attention on its use in polymers, adhesives and coatings.
ECHA: Implications for industry
The inclusion of these substances in the SVHC list entails various obligations for companies, including:
Transparency in the supply chain : Suppliers must provide detailed information on the presence of these substances in products with concentrations greater than 0.1%, ensuring access to safety data.
Notification to ECHA : Manufacturers and importers are required to report the presence of these substances if they exceed the annual tonne or 0.1% limit by weight.
Registration in the SCIP database : Since January 2021, it is mandatory to report the presence of SVHCs in products to the Substances of Concern in Products (SCIP) database.
Impact on eco-certifications : Products containing these substances may not qualify for the EU Ecolabel, affecting their viability in markets with high environmental standards.
ECHA: Challenges and measures to be taken
Companies must be proactive in reviewing their formulations, evaluating safer alternatives and ensuring compliance with REACH regulations. Constant assessment of the supply chain and communication with suppliers are essential to avoid business interruptions and ensure legal compliance.
With this update, ECHA continues its efforts to mitigate the risks associated with hazardous chemicals and promote a safer environment for both consumers and the environment.
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