REACH SVHC Candidate List 2026: What Is On It and What You Owe
The REACH SVHC Candidate List holds 253 substances. The most recent update was 4 February 2026, when ECHA added two: n-hexane (EC 203-777-6, CAS 110-54-3) for specific target organ toxicity after repeated exposure, and 4,4'-[2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethylidene]diphenol and its salts as toxic for reproduction. If an article you sell contains any listed substance above 0.1 percent by weight, you owe supply-chain information under Article 33, a 45-day answer to consumer requests, a SCIP notification before the article goes on the EU market, and an ECHA notification within six months of inclusion if you produce or import above one tonne per year.
Source: ECHA Candidate List, retrieved 22 September 2026. ECHA states that only the list published on its own site is authentic, so verify the count there before you act on it.
The five most recent Candidate List rounds
| Inclusion date | Substances added |
|---|---|
| 4 February 2026 | 2 |
| 5 November 2025 | 1 |
| 25 June 2025 | 3 |
| 21 January 2025 | 5 |
| 7 November 2024 | 1 |
The current total across all rounds is 253 substances.
The list is updated roughly twice a year, but the dates move: two of the last five rounds fell in the same four-month window. That is the practical argument for checking the list per product launch and per supplier change rather than on a calendar.
What the 2026 round added
| Substance | EC No. | CAS No. | Inclusion date | Reason for inclusion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| n-hexane | 203-777-6 | 110-54-3 | 4 February 2026 | Specific target organ toxicity after repeated exposure (Article 57(f), human health) |
| 4,4'-[2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethylidene]diphenol and its salts | n/a | n/a | 4 February 2026 | Toxic for reproduction (Article 57(c)) |
The 2025 rounds, for context
| Substance | EC No. | CAS No. | Inclusion date | Reason for inclusion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,1'-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis[pentabromobenzene] | 284-366-9 | 84852-53-9 | 5 November 2025 | vPvB (Article 57(e)) |
| Reactive Brown 51 | 466-490-7 | n/a | 25 June 2025 | Toxic for reproduction (Article 57(c)) |
| 1,1,1,3,5,5,5-heptamethyl-3-[(trimethylsilyl)oxy]trisiloxane | 241-867-7 | 17928-28-8 | 25 June 2025 | vPvB (Article 57(e)) |
| Decamethyltetrasiloxane | 205-491-7 | 141-62-8 | 25 June 2025 | vPvB (Article 57(e)) |
What this means for Amazon sellers
Most sellers on Amazon import finished articles rather than registering substances, so the registration side of REACH usually sits with the manufacturer. What lands on the seller is the article-level duty:
- Check per article, not per shipment. The 0.1 percent threshold applies to the article by weight. A cable, a housing and a seal in one product are separate articles for this purpose.
- Re-check on every supplier or formulation change. A different plasticiser in the same-looking plastic part can change the SVHC status without changing anything visible. This is the failure we see most often.
- A new inclusion can catch a product already on sale. Duties attach from the inclusion date, so a compliant listing can acquire a duty without the product changing.
- Keep the paper. Supplier declarations, test reports and your own assessment are what you show when an authority or Amazon asks.
- Answer consumer requests inside 45 days. The duty under Article 33(2) is free of charge to the consumer and runs from the request, not from your next catalogue review.
Criteria for SVHC Identification
The REACH regulation uses clear rules for identifying Substances of Very High Concern. These substances fall into three categories:
- Health-harmful substances: Chemicals causing cancer, genetic mutations, or reproductive harm
- Persistent environmental substances: PBT and vPvB substances that accumulate in ecosystems and living organisms
- Equivalent concern substances: Individually assessed chemicals matching CMR or PBT/vPvB concerns
Identifying SVHCs involves a 45-day public consultation, allowing stakeholder input before chemicals are added to the Candidate List. Note that this 45-day window is the consultation on a proposed substance; the other 45-day period in this article, the deadline for answering a consumer request, is a different duty entirely.
Definition of SVHC
Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) are chemicals harmful to humans or the environment, defined by the hazard criteria in Article 57 of REACH.
Importance in Chemical Regulation
SVHC compliance is crucial for EU businesses. Producers and importers of articles must notify the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) if a Candidate List substance exceeds 0.1 percent by weight in the article and their volume exceeds one tonne per year. Supply chain transparency is what makes the threshold workable: you can only declare what your supplier told you.
REACH Framework Overview
The REACH framework covers chemicals in industrial and daily use, helping companies identify and manage substance risks in the EU. It reduces animal testing by supporting alternative testing methods. A recast of REACH has been announced by the European Commission but was not adopted at the time this page was last checked (22 September 2026), so nothing on this page depends on it.
Criteria for SVHC Identification
The REACH regulation uses clear rules for identifying Substances of Very High Concern. These substances fall into three categories:
- Health-harmful substances: Chemicals causing cancer, genetic mutations, or reproductive harm
- Persistent environmental substances: PBT and vPvB substances that accumulate in ecosystems and living organisms
- Equivalent concern substances: Individually assessed chemicals matching CMR or PBT/vPvB concerns
Identifying SVHCs involves a 45-day public review, allowing stakeholder input before chemicals are added to the Candidate List.
The SVHC Identification Process
The process has several stages for detailed assessment:
Proposal Submission
A Member State or ECHA proposes a substance for SVHC status with detailed property and risk information.
Public Consultation Period
A 45-day public consultation allows stakeholders to submit their views and additional data.
Decision-Making by Member State Committee
If no comments arrive, the substance is added to the Candidate List. If comments are received, the Member State Committee reviews them, aiming for unanimous agreement on SVHC status.
Key points:
- New SVHCs are added twice yearly to the Candidate List
- The identification process involves four main steps: Intention, Proposal, Consultation, and Decision
- If no agreement is reached, the European Commission makes the final decision
The Candidate List: Purpose and Implications
The SVHC Candidate List is key in REACH SVHC regulation, listing substances of very high concern. This list helps manage harmful chemicals and promotes safer options in the European Union.
Being on the list means suppliers must act quickly, becoming more transparent and cautious in chemical use:
- Provide safety data sheets
- Communicate safe use information
- Respond to consumer requests within 45 days
- Notify ECHA if an article contains an SVHC above 0.1% (w/w) and exceeds one tonne per year production
The most recent round was 4 February 2026; the substances it added and the rounds before it are in the tables at the top of this page.
Legal Obligations for Suppliers of SVHCs
REACH SVHC regulation imposes strict rules on suppliers, protecting people and the environment while ensuring supply chain transparency.
Safety Data Sheet Requirements
Suppliers of Candidate List substances must provide customers with updated safety data sheets identifying the SVHC status. For non-dangerous mixtures, safety data sheets are needed if they contain more than 0.1% of a listed substance.
Communication on Safe Use
EU and EEA suppliers must inform customers and consumers if their products contain SVHCs exceeding 0.1%, ensuring safe chemical use.
Consumer Request Responses
Suppliers have 45 days to answer consumer questions about SVHCs in their products, facilitating informed product choices.
ECHA Notification for Articles
EU and EEA producers or importers must notify ECHA if articles contain SVHCs above 0.1% and exceed one tonne per year. This notification must occur within 6 months of substance inclusion.
| Obligation | Threshold | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Provide Safety Data Sheets | Any amount of SVHC | Immediately upon supply |
| Inform Customers/Consumers | >0.1% w/w SVHC in article | Upon supply or request |
| Notify ECHA | >0.1% w/w SVHC and >1 tonne/year | Within 6 months of inclusion |
| Submit to SCIP Database | >0.1% w/w SVHC in article | Before placing on market |
REACH SVHC: Key Considerations for Compliance
Effective SVHC compliance requires careful planning and action. Companies must track updates to the Candidate List and implement strong management systems.
Good communication is essential for compliance. Manufacturers and importers must share safety data for registered substances. When SVHCs exceed 0.1% by weight in products, they must inform customers within 45 days.
Effective SVHC management strategies include:
- Regular monitoring of REACH list changes
- Auditing supply chains for SVHCs
- Implementing systems to track and report SVHCs in articles
- Developing plans for substance replacement or phase-out
Companies should consider global impacts of REACH SVHC rules. CE Certification, required for many European Economic Area products across 30 countries, demonstrates the importance of strong SVHC compliance for worldwide businesses.
SVHC Testing and Assessment Methods
Advanced testing and assessment are key for REACH compliance. As of 22 September 2026, 253 substances are on the Candidate List.
Chemical Analysis Techniques
Labs employ advanced methods:
- Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TF-IR)
- Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS)
- Spectrophotometry UV/VIS
- ICP-OES and ICP-MS
- Chromatography with multiple detectors
ISO 17025 accreditation ensures reliable, consistent, and traceable results.
Risk Assessment Procedures
REACH SVHC risk assessment evaluates how substances might affect human health and environment:
- Review Bill of Materials (BOM) and Bill of Substances (BOS)
- Identify potential risk materials
- Conduct targeted testing of high-risk materials
- Evaluate compliance with REACH and Waste Framework Directive
Documentation Requirements
| Document Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Test Reports | Detail analysis methods and results |
| Risk Assessments | Outline potential impacts and mitigation strategies |
| Supplier Declarations | Confirm material composition and SVHC presence |
| Compliance Statements | Declare adherence to REACH regulations |
SVHC Management Strategies for Businesses
Effective SVHC management requires businesses to stay alert as ECHA continues adding to the substances list, which stands at 253 substances after the round of 4 February 2026.
Key management approaches:
- Regularly monitor the SVHC Candidate List
- Conduct thorough supply chain assessments
- Implement chemical inventory management systems
- Develop substitution plans for SVHCs
- Train employees on REACH regulations
Companies must communicate about SVHCs in their supply chain when concentrations exceed 0.1%. They should also prepare for public discussions on ECHA's draft authorization recommendations, which may impact business operations.
Proactive SVHC management helps companies navigate complex REACH rules, maintain legal compliance, and stay competitive in the European Union.
Alternatives to SVHCs: Substitution and Innovation
The drive for SVHC alternatives under REACH regulation encourages chemical safety innovation. Companies integrate substitution into business models to maintain competitiveness. This shift reflects growing retailer and consumer demand for safer products.
Identifying Safer Alternatives
ECHA's substitution strategy boosts safer substance and technology availability. Functional substitution examines a substance's purpose rather than structure, expanding solution possibilities.
Challenges in Substitution
The harder problem is regrettable substitution: replacing a listed substance with one whose risks are different or simply not yet assessed. A replacement that is not on the Candidate List today is not the same thing as a replacement that is safe.
Case Studies of Successful Substitutions
Despite challenges, progress continues. ECHA promotes best practices in green chemistry and sustainability across supply chains. Industry collaboration raises awareness and develops chemical sustainability assessment tools, changing mindsets from manufacturers to end users.
Global Impact of REACH SVHC Regulations
REACH SVHC regulations significantly influence worldwide chemical management, inspiring similar rules in many countries and creating more consistent global chemical safety standards.
The practical consequence for anyone importing into the EU is that a supplier's home-market compliance statement says nothing about the Candidate List. The list is an EU instrument, and the duty sits with whoever places the article on the EU market.
UK REACH and EU REACH are separate regimes since Brexit, which is a second list to check for anyone selling into both markets rather than a detail of the same one.
Staying Current
SVHC management is not a one-off project, because the list moves underneath products that are already on sale.
Where to check
The authoritative source is ECHA's own Candidate List. ECHA states explicitly that only the list published on its site is authentic, which is the reason this page carries a retrieval date rather than presenting itself as the register.
What triggers a re-check
- A new Candidate List round, currently around twice a year
- A new supplier, or a new production site at an existing supplier
- Any change in material, coating, adhesive, plasticiser or colourant
- A new product variant that reuses components from an existing one
Conclusion
The REACH SVHC Candidate List holds 253 substances as of 22 September 2026, most recently updated on 4 February 2026. For sellers the practical core is small: know whether any article you place on the EU market contains a listed substance above 0.1 percent by weight, pass that information down the chain, answer consumer requests within 45 days, file the SCIP notification before the article goes on sale, and notify ECHA within six months of inclusion where the one-tonne threshold applies.
The part that catches people out is not the threshold but the movement: duties attach on the inclusion date, so a listing that was clean in January can carry a duty in February without the product changing at all.
FAQ
How many substances are on the REACH SVHC Candidate List in 2026? 253 substances, following ECHA's update of 4 February 2026. Source: ECHA Candidate List, retrieved 22 September 2026. Only the list published by ECHA is authentic, so check it before you rely on a count you read anywhere else.
When was the SVHC Candidate List last updated? On 4 February 2026, when ECHA added two substances. The four rounds before that were 5 November 2025 (one substance), 25 June 2025 (three), 21 January 2025 (five) and 7 November 2024 (one).
Which substances were added to the Candidate List in 2026? Two: n-hexane (EC 203-777-6, CAS 110-54-3), included for specific target organ toxicity after repeated exposure under Article 57(f), and 4,4'-[2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethylidene]diphenol and its salts, included as toxic for reproduction under Article 57(c).
What are REACH SVHCs? Substances of Very High Concern are chemicals that meet the hazard criteria in Article 57 of REACH: carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction, persistent and bioaccumulative, or of equivalent concern. Once ECHA adds one to the Candidate List, duties attach to anyone supplying an article that contains it.
What does the 0.1 percent threshold mean for my product? The threshold is 0.1 percent by weight of the article, not of the shipment. If an article contains a Candidate List substance above that share, the information duty under Article 33 applies no matter how few units you sell.
What must Amazon sellers do when a product contains an SVHC? Pass the substance name and safe-use information down the chain under Article 33(1), answer consumer requests within 45 days under Article 33(2), notify ECHA under Article 7(2) if you produce or import the article above one tonne per year, and submit a SCIP notification before placing it on the EU market.
What is the SCIP database and who must report to it? SCIP is ECHA's database for substances of concern in articles, set up under the Waste Framework Directive. Suppliers placing an article containing a Candidate List substance above 0.1 percent by weight on the EU market submit a notification to it.
How often is the Candidate List updated? As a rule twice a year, but the dates move. The last five rounds fell in November 2024, January 2025, June 2025, November 2025 and February 2026, so treat the cadence as a reason to check rather than a schedule you can plan around.
How are SVHCs identified? A Member State or ECHA submits a proposal, a 45-day public consultation follows, and the Member State Committee decides. If the Committee cannot agree unanimously, the European Commission decides.
What happens when a new substance is added while my product is already listed? The duties attach from the date of inclusion, so a product that was compliant last month can carry a new duty this month without anything about the product changing. The ECHA notification for articles is due within six months of inclusion.
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