Focus on Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs)

Do you use substances included in the SVHC list? What is an SVHC substance?

Marie Faucon
Consultante HSE
Publication : 
12.06.2024
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Please note: This article concerns French legislation. The requirements described may not apply in other countries.

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The SVHC list identifies Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) for potential inclusion, in the short or long term, in Annex XIV of the REACH regulation as substances subject to authorization.

This list is also known as the Candidate List of substances of very high concern for authorization. Once included in Annex XIV of the REACH regulation and after a case-by-case deadline has passed, these substances may only be placed on the market and used (as such, in a mixture, or in an article) if the use has been authorized by the European Commission.

What is an SVHC substance?

Substances that exhibit the following hazardous properties may be identified as SVHCs:

  • substances that meet the criteria for classification as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction (CMR), category 1A or 1B, in accordance with the CLP regulation;
  • substances that are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) or very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB), in accordance with Annex XIII of REACH;
  • substances identified on a case-by-case basis that give rise to an equivalent level of concern as those identified as CMR or PBT/vPvB.

Where can I find the list of SVHC substances?

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) publishes the updated Candidate List of substances of very high concern for authorization on its website: Candidate List of substances of very high concern for authorization - ECHA - https://echa.europa.eu/

What are the impacts for users of SVHC substances?

While awaiting authorization, SVHCs:

  • are not prohibited and may continue to be marketed and used;
  • are subject to an information obligation for suppliers of articles containing them. Suppliers are required to inform users of the name of the substance contained in their articles and the necessary precautions for use. This information is systematic and mandatory whenever the substance is present at a concentration greater than 0.1% by weight.

Conclusion

We recommend that you keep track of updates to the SVHC list.

If a new substance is added, we suggest you check whether it is used (as such, in a mixture, or in an article) at your site and, if necessary, contact the relevant suppliers to determine their intentions regarding authorization applications for the products and uses concerned.

Note: Certain ICPE prefectural decrees may require operators to establish and regularly update a list of substances considered SVHCs that they manufacture, import, or use.