- The Candidate List of substances of very high concern now contains 233 entries for chemicals that can harm people or the environment. Companies are responsible for managing the risks of these chemicals and must also give their customers and consumers information to use them safely.
According to European Chemicals Agency press release on January 17, 2023, ECHA has added nine chemicals to the Candidate List because of their hazardous properties. They are used for example in flame retardants, paints and coatings, inks and toners, coating products, plasticisers and in the manufacture of pulp and paper.
Entries added to the Candidate List on 17 January 2023
- 1,1'-. Very persistent and very bioaccumulative (REACH Article 57 e). While the substance itself is not registered under REACH, identification as an SVHC can be seen as a measure to avoid future regrettable substitution.
- 2,2',6,6'-tetrabromo-4,4'-isopropylidenediphenol. Carcinogenic (Article 57 a). As a reactive flame retardant and as an additive flame retardant in the manufacture of polymer resins, in products such as epoxy coated circuit boards, printed circuit boards, paper and textiles.
- 4,4'-sulphonyldiphenol Toxic for reproduction (Article 57 c); Endocrine disrupting properties (Article 57 f – environment); Endocrine disrupting properties (Article 57 f – human health). In the manufacture of: pulp, paper and paper products, textile, leather or fur and chemicals.
- Barium diboron tetraoxide. Toxic for reproduction (Article 57 c). In paints and coatings.
- Bis(2-ethylhexyl) tetrabromophthalate covering any of the individual isomers and/or combinations thereof. Very persistent and very bioaccumulative (Article 57 e). As a flame retardant and as a plasticiser for flexible polyvinylchloride and for use in wire and cable insulation, film and sheeting, carpet backing, coated fabrics, wall coverings and adhesives.
- Isobutyl 4-hydroxybenzoate. Endocrine disrupting properties (Article 57 f – human health). In the manufacture of substances and in the following products: coating products, fillers, putties, plasters, modelling clay and inks and toners.
- Melamine. Equivalent level of concern having probable serious effects to human health (Article 57 f – human health); Equivalent level of concern having probable serious effects to the environment (Article 57 f – environment). In polymers and resins, coating products, adhesives and sealants, leather treatment products, laboratory chemicals.
- Perfluoroheptanoic acid and its salts. Toxic for reproduction (Article 57 c); Persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (Article 57 d); Very persistent and very bioaccumulative (Article 57 e); Equivalent level of concern having probable serious effects to human health (Article 57 f – human health); Equivalent level of concern having probable serious effects to the environment (Article 57 f – environment). While the substance itself is not registered under REACH, identification as an SVHC can be seen as a measure to avoid future regrettable substitution.
- Reaction mass of
2,2,3,3,5,5,6,6-octafluoro-4-(1,1,1,2,3,3,3-heptafluoropropan-2-yl)morpholine and 2,2,3,3,5,5,6,6-octafluoro-4-(heptafluoropropyl)morpholine. Very persistent and very bioaccumulative (Article 57 e). Used in articles, by professional workers (widespread uses), in formulation or re-packing, at industrial sites and in manufacturing.
ECHA’s Member State Committee confirmed the addition of these substances to the Candidate List. The Candidate List now has 233 entries – some are groups of chemicals so the overall number of impacted chemicals is higher.
These substances may be placed on the Authorisation List in the future. If a substance is on that list, its use will be prohibited unless companies apply for authorisation and the European Commission authorises them to continue its use.
Consequences of the Candidate List
Under REACH, companies have legal obligations when their substance is included – either on its own, in mixtures or in articles – in the Candidate List.
Suppliers of articles containing a Candidate List substance above a concentration of 0.1 % (weight by weight) have to give their customers and consumers information to be able to use them safely. Consumers have the right to ask suppliers whether the products they buy contain substances of very high concern.
Importers and producers of articles will have to notify ECHA if their article contains a Candidate List substance within six months from the date it has been included in the list (17 January 2023). Suppliers of substances on the Candidate List, supplied either on their own or in mixtures, have to provide their customers with a safety data sheet.
Under the Waste Framework Directive, companies also have to notify ECHA if the articles they produce contain substances of very high concern in a concentration above 0.1 % (weight by weight). This notification is published in ECHA’s database of substances of concern in products (SCIP).
