ECHA Adds Three Harmful Chemicals to SVHC List, Total Now at 250 Entries

On June 25th, 2025, ECHA has updated the Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC) under the EU REACH Regulation by adding 3 new hazardous chemicals to the SVHC Candidate List. This brings the total number of entries on the list to 250.

EU’s ongoing commitment to strengthening chemical safety and protecting consumers, workers, and the environment. Companies handling these substances must now fulfil strict communication, notification, and recordkeeping obligations.

Regulatory Implications for Industries:

A. Communication Duties (REACH Article 33)

Suppliers of articles containing SVHCs above 0.1% weight by weight (w/w) must inform recipients and consumers about safe use. Consumers have a legal right to request SVHC content information from suppliers.

B. Notification to ECHA (REACH Article 7(2))

Importers and producers of articles must notify ECHA within 6 months (by 25 December 2025) if the article contains newly added SVHCs above the 0.1% w/w threshold.

C. Safety Data Sheet (SDS) Updates

Suppliers of substances and mixtures containing these SVHCs must update SDS documents to include appropriate hazard and handling information.

D. SCIP Notification (Waste Framework Directive)

Articles with SVHC content over 0.1% w/w must be reported to ECHA’s SCIP database to support waste traceability and safe recycling.

E. Eco-Label Restrictions

Products containing SVHCs are ineligible for the EU Ecolabel, affecting sustainability certifications and green marketing claims.

ECHA’s inclusion of these three substances on the Candidate List reinforces the EU’s precautionary approach toward hazardous chemicals in consumer and industrial products. Companies must now reassess their product portfolios, ensure supply chain communication, and comply with notification and labelling requirements under REACH and other relevant legislation.

Failure to meet these obligations may result in enforcement actions by national authorities and reputational risks.

Reference: All news - ECHA