ECHA proposes six new substances as candidates for SVHC list

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has initiated a public consultation regarding the potential inclusion of six new chemicals on the list of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). The consultation period runs from August 2024 until October 14, 2024, during which stakeholders, manufacturers, and other interested parties can submit their comments.

If approved, the six substances will join the existing 241 entries on the Candidate List of SVHCs, bringing the total number to 247. These chemicals are widely used in industries such as lubricants, coatings, adhesives, and the automotive sector, raising concerns due to their potential adverse effects on human health and the environment.

The chemicals under review include substances used in hydraulic fluids, automotive care products, and even materials used in food packaging. Several of the chemicals are classified as Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic (PBT), while others are known to have endocrine-disrupting properties. 

ECHA’s consultation is part of the broader REACH regulation, aimed at protecting human health and the environment by identifying and restricting hazardous substances. REACH stands for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals. It is a European Union regulation that was adopted to improve the protection of human health and the environment from risks posed by chemicals, while also enhancing the competitiveness of the EU chemicals industry.