A Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) refers to any substance that has adverse effects on human health and the environment.
This includes:
- carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction (CMR) substances;
- very Persistent and very Bio-accumulative (vPvB) substances;
- Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic (PBT) substances; or
- substances deemed as endocrine disruptors.
As of June 14, 2023, the Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHCs) contains 235substances. The whole SVHC list can be searched here.
According to the REACH Regulation, producers, and importers have to notify ECHA of the substances listed on the Candidate List which are present in their articles, if both the following conditions are met:
(1) The substance is present in their relevant articles above a concentration of 0.1% weight by weight.
(2) The substance is present in these relevant articles in quantities totaling over one tonne per year. Companies have to notify the inclusion of the substance no later than six months after it is added to the Candidate List.
Who Needs to Submit a Notification?
- EU producers
- EU Importers
- Non-EU producers (non-EU-manufacturers may submit a notification by appointing an EU-based Only Representative to notify on their behalf).
When should you Submit a Notification?
- The substances being added to the Updated Candidate List before December 1, 2010, must be notified before June 1, 2011;
- The substances being added to the Updated Candidate List after December 1, 2010, must be notified within a six-month period.
Why Should you Submit a Notification?
Products can only be produced or imported into the EU if they conform with the REACH Regulation. The EU state members have passed strict measures of supervision and punishment under the REACH Regulation. EU customers are entitled to carry out an inspection of REACH compliance. Importers or producers will be punished by a recall, penalty, and even imprisonment for some REACH violations.
Our Services:
- Identify obligations for SVHC notification and training;
- Testing articles for SVHC;
- SVHC Notifications.