Focus on substances of very high concern (SVHC)

Do you use substances on the SVHC list? What are SVHC substances?

Marie Faucon
EHS Consultant
Update : 
12.09.2025
Publication: 
12.06.2024
Contents
Example H2
Request a demo

The SVHC list identifies substances of very high concern (SVHC) with a view to their possible inclusion, in the longer or shorter term, in Annex XIV of the REACH regulation as substances subject to authorization.

This list is also known as the candidate list for authorization. Once they have been included in Annex XIV of the REACH regulation, and following the expiry of a deadline set on a case-by-case basis, these substances may only be placed on the market and used (as such, in a mixture or in an article) in the context of uses authorized by the European Commission.

What are SVHC substances?

Substances with the following hazardous properties can be identified as SVHC:

  • substances that meet the criteria for classification as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to 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 REACH Annex XIII;
  • substances on a case-by-case basis that raise a level of concern equivalent to that of CMR or PBT/vPvB substances.

Where can I find the list of SVHC substances?

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

What impact for users of SVHC substances?

Until they are subject to authorization, SVHC :

  • are not prohibited and can continue to be marketed and used;
  • are subject to an information obligation on the part of suppliers of articles containing them. The latter are required to inform users of the name of the substance contained in their articles, and of any precautions for use. This information is systematic and compulsory whenever the substance is present in a concentration exceeding 0.1% by mass.

Conclusion

We recommend that you keep up to date with the SVHC list.

In the event of inclusion of a new substance, we invite you to check whether this substance is used (as such, in a mixture or in an article) on your site and, if so, to contact the suppliers concerned to find out their intentions regarding the authorization request, with regard to the products and uses concerned.

Note: certain ICPE prefectoral decrees may require the operator to draw up a list of substances considered as SVHC that it manufactures, imports and uses, and to update this list regularly.