EU Regulation Update: 5 New Chemicals Added to the SVHC Candidate List

Chemicals are frequently used in daily consumer products. They can be found on the coating of the cookware, in the hair products, in the modelling clay that you use, and more. In recent years, there have been rising concerns about the usage and safety of those chemicals. Hence, the regulatory authorities are implementing stricter legislation to regulate the use of chemical substances in industries.

On January 23, 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published an update of the Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC). With the addition of five new chemicals, the current Candidate list of SVHC now contains 240 substances.

Additionally, the ECHA has updated the existing Candidate List entry for dibutyl phthalate to include its endocrine-disrupting properties for the environment.

5 new substances added to the Candidate List on 23 January 2024 (ECHA/NR/24/01)

Substance name	EC number	CAS number	Reason for inclusion	Examples of uses
2,4,6-tri-tert-butylphenol	211-89-5	732-26-3	Toxic for reproduction Persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT)	Manufacture of another substance Formulation of mixtures Fuel products
2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)phenol	221-573-5	3147-75-9	Very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB)	Air care products Coating products Adhesives and sealants Lubricants and greases Polishes and waxes Washing and cleaning products
2-(dimethylamino)-2-[(4-methylphenyl)methyl]-1-[4-(morpholin-4-yl)phenyl]butan-1-one	438-340-0	119344-86-4	Toxic for reproduction	Inks and toners Coating products
Bumetrizole	223-445-4	3896-11-5	vPvB	Coating products Adhesives and sealants Washing and cleaning products
Oligomerisation and alkylation reaction products of 2-phenylpropene and phenol	700-960-7	-	vPvB	Adhesives and sealants Coating products Fillers Putties Plasters Modelling clay Inks and toners Polymers

Consequences of the Candidate List

Under the EU REACH Regulation, the inclusion in the Candidate List brings immediate legal obligations for suppliers of the substance – either on its own, in mixtures or in articles. The obligations include:

- Communicating on safe use: EU or EEA suppliers of articles which contain substances on the Candidate List in a concentration above 0.1% weight by weight have to provide sufficient information to allow safe use of the article to their customers. If a consumer requests such information, EU or EEA suppliers must provide the necessary details within 45 days of receiving the request.
- Notifying ECHA: EU and EEA importers and producers of articles have to notify ECHA if their article contains a Candidate List substance within six months after it has been included in the list.
- Supplying a safety data sheet: EU and EEA suppliers of substances on the Candidate List must provide their customers with an up-to-date safety data sheet.

Under the EU Waste Framework Directive, companies must also notify ECHA if the articles they produce contain SVHC in a concentration above 0.1 % (weight by weight). This notification will be recorded in ECHA’s database of substances of concern in products (SCIP).

At AQF, we have a team of technical experts who can offer you comprehensive support during your transition to new regulatory changes. Whether you need assistance with understanding the new regulations, optimizing your processes, or launching new products, our team is here to help. Contact us today to talk to our experts.