The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has updated its Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC) by adding two new chemicals on 4 February 2026, bringing the total number of entries to 253. These substances pose significant risks to human health or the environment, and companies handling them must comply with REACH obligations.

Newly Added Substances (4 February 2026)

Substance EC Number CAS Number Reason for Inclusion Common Uses Impact
n-Hexane 203-777-6 110-54-3 Specific target organ toxicity after repeated exposure (Article 57(f)) Formulation, polymer processing, coatings, cleaning agents Chronic exposure affects nervous system; careful handling required
4,4′-[2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl) ethylidene] diphenol and salts – – Toxic for reproduction (Article 57(c)) Process regulator and cross-linking agent in polymer & chemical manufacturing Poses reproductive toxicity risks; downstream users must be informed

Reasons for Inclusion

n-Hexane:
  • Causes chronic nervous system damage after repeated exposure.
  • Widely used in industrial applications like coatings and polymer processing.
  • Inclusion ensures stricter communication of risks to downstream users.
4,4′-[2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethylidene] diphenol and salts:
  • Classified as toxic for reproduction, affecting fertility and development.
  • Common in chemical manufacturing and polymer cross-linking.
  • ECHA inclusion ensures manufacturers and consumers are aware of potential reproductive risks.

Purpose of Candidate List Inclusion

  • Protect Human Health: Identifies substances causing organ toxicity or reproductive harm.
  • Inform Stakeholders: Suppliers must communicate risks and safe use instructions to consumers, business customers, and downstream users
  • Prepare for Authorisation: Candidate List entries may eventually appear on the Authorisation List, restricting use without approval.

Legal Obligations for Companies Handling SVHCs

Companies must comply with REACH requirements to ensure safety and transparency:

  • Communication to Customers & Consumers:
    • Provide information if a product contains SVHCs >0.1% w/w.
    • Consumers can request SVHC content in products.
  • Notification to ECHA:
    • Producers and importers must notify ECHA within six months (deadline: 4 August 2026 for new substances).
  • Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Updates:
    • Suppliers must update SDS for substances supplied individually or in mixtures.
  • SCIP Database Reporting:
    • Notify ECHA if articles contain SVHCs >0.1% w/w.
    • Information is publicly available in the Substances of Concern In Products (SCIP) database.
  • EU Ecolabel Restrictions:
    • Products containing SVHCs cannot receive the EU Ecolabel, limiting marketing and eco-certification.

Impact on Industry and Consumers

  • The addition of n-hexane and the reproductive toxin highlights ECHA’s ongoing efforts to enhance chemical safety in the EU market. Companies must act promptly to ensure regulatory compliance, consumer safety, and supply chain transparency. Non-compliance can result in legal penalties, restrictions, and loss of eco-label certifications.

Recommendations for Stakeholders

Manufacturers & Importers:

  • Conduct supply chain review to identify newly listed substances.
  • Update SDS and notify ECHA before deadlines.
  • Implement risk management measures to minimize exposure.

Downstream Users & Distributors:

  • Request SVHC information from suppliers.
  • Communicate safe use instructions to customers.
  • Avoid formulations exceeding the 0.1% threshold unless unavoidable.

Consumers:

  • Be aware of products that may contain SVHCs.
  • Exercise your right to ask suppliers about SVHC content.

Source: echa-adds-two-hazardous-chemicals-to-the-candidate-list-1

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