EU REACH adds 4 new substances of very high concern, bringing the candidate list to 155
Following the most recent meeting of the European Commission, ECHA updated its list of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) again on June 16. Cadmium chloride, branched and linear dihexyl 1,2-phthalate, and two sodium perborate substances were added to the candidate list, bringing the total number of SVHCs to 155.
ECHA states that cadmium chloride is commonly used in textile printing and metal surface treatment. It is listed on the SVHC list because of its carcinogenic, mutagenic, and reproductive toxicity (CMR), as well as the equal concern regarding its potential health effects on humans (especially on bones and kidneys). The other three substances are listed because they are determined to be reproductive toxic.
Manufacturers operating substances listed on the candidate list are simultaneously acknowledging multiple REACH legal responsibilities, including registration of the substance itself and mixtures, as well as confirmation in finished products. The Industrial Development Bureau of the Ministry of Economic Affairs reminds manufacturers exporting to the EU that if their finished products contain any of the four SVHCs added on June 16, 2014, and meet the following two conditions, they have six months from June 16th to notify ECHA:
1. The total amount of a single substance of high concern in all finished products manufactured or imported by the manufacturer exceeds one tonne per year;
2. And the concentration of substances of high concern in the finished product exceeds 0.1% (w/w).
In addition to the obligation to notify, if the finished product contains 0.1% (w/w) of a substance of very high concern as announced by ECHA, the notification requirements of Article 33 of the EU REACH Regulation must also be followed.
As can be foreseen from the EU's authorization process, following the specific procedures of REACH, a further decision will be made regarding whether SVHC substances will also be included in the authorized list (Appendix 14). Taiwanese manufacturers exporting to the EU should thoroughly and proactively confirm whether their products contain such substances of very high concern, conduct necessary communication with upstream and downstream partners in the supply chain, and prioritize anticipating potential impacts from the authorization mechanism. They should consider phasing out or reducing the use of highly hazardous substances and strategically plan their product development accordingly.
| | chemical substances | CAS number | Reasons for including SVHC |
| 1 | 氯化鎘Cadmium chloride | 10108-64-2 | Carcinogenicity; Mutagenicity; Reproductive toxicity; Equal concern - Possibly serious effects on human health. |
| 2 | 支鏈和直鏈的1,2-苯二甲酸二己酯1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, dihexyl ester, branched and linear | 68515-50-4 | Reproductive toxicity |
| 3 | 過硼酸鈉Sodium peroxometaborate | 7632-04-4 | Reproductive toxicity |
| 4 | 過硼酸鈉Sodium perborate; perboric acid, sodium salt | – | Reproductive toxicity |
Please refer to the attachment for the latest updated SVHC list: European Chemicals Agency List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) - Chinese Version - Updated June 16, 2014
Sources: International Chemicals Policy Promotion Network (2014-06-17) Attachment file:European Chemicals Agency List of Substances of Very High Concern_Chinese Version_Updated 20140616.pdf
