ECHA Adds DBDPE to SVHC List

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced today that the Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC) has reached 251 entries.

Key Addition: DBDPE

In its October meeting, the Member State Committee (MSC) confirmed the inclusion of the flame-retardant chemical 1,1' (ethane 1,2 diyl)bis[pentabromobenzene] (DBDPE) (EC 284-366-9, CAS 84852-53-9) as an SVHC due to its very persistent, very bioaccumulative (vPvB) properties.

Implications for Industry

With DBDPE’s addition, the Candidate List acts as a warning stage: while inclusion does not immediately ban the substance, it signals that the chemical may be moved to the Authorisation List in the future — at which point use in the EU would require formal approval.

Under the EU’s REACH regulation, companies whose products (substances, mixtures or articles) contain an SVHC face specific obligations:

• If an article contains a listed substance at a concentration above 0.1 % (w/w), the supplier must provide customers and consumers with information on safe use.
• Importers and producers of articles must notify ECHA within six months of the listing (i.e., by 5 May 2026 for this substance) if the article contains the substance above 0.1 %.
• Suppliers of the substance on its own or in a mixture must update the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to reflect the new listing.
• Under the Waste Framework Directive (WFD), if an article contains an SVHC above 0.1 % w/w, the supplier must submit information to the SCIP database, to enable transparency in waste and recycling streams.
• Products containing an SVHC cannot bear the EU Ecolabel.

Why This Matters

The addition of DBDPE and the milestone of reaching 251 entries underscore the growing regulatory scrutiny of chemicals with persistent or bioaccumulative properties. For companies operating across supply chains—especially in electronics, construction, automotive and coating sectors where such flame retardants are commonly used—this signals a need to revisit material declarations, supplier contracts and compliance practices.

Next Steps for Businesses

• Audit whether any articles, mixtures or substances in your portfolio contain DBDPE (or other SVHCs) above 0.1 % w/w.
• If so, ensure you can demonstrate the safe use information has been communicated downstream.
• Update SDS documents and prepare for potential authorisation procedures if the substance moves to Annex XIV.
• Monitor the transition of the Candidate List substance to the Authorisation List, and plan for substitution options or phased removal.

By staying ahead of these regulatory updates, businesses can better manage risk, maintain market access in the EU, and ensure the safety of people and the environment.

Reference: ECHA Adds DBDPE