DEFINITION
SVHCs (Substances of Very High Concern) are substances of concern on the REACH Candidate List, identified due to their CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction), PBT/vPvB, or equivalent concern properties. If an article contains an SVHC in a concentration of ≥0.1% weight by weight (w/w), information duties apply under Article 33 of REACH, alongside potential notification obligations to the ECHA.
DeclarationSVHC in Articles
The Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC) is a dynamic instrument of the REACH Regulation; new additions can trigger additional compliance obligations at short notice.
For SVHCs in articles, comprehensive information requirements apply under Article 33 of REACH towards industrial customers and consumers. In addition, if a substance exceeds a concentration of 0.1% by weight and a total quantity of 1 tonne per year, a notification requirement under Article 7(2) of REACH to ECHA is triggered.
Since January 2021, suppliers of articles containing SVHCs have also been obliged to submit information to the SCIP database (Substances of Concern In articles as such or in complex objects [Products]). This EU-wide database supports the circular economy and provides waste operators with access to information on substances of very high concern in products.
Companies establish systematic monitoring of the Candidate List, maintain up-to-date material and supplier data across their supply chain, and implement standardised communication and reporting processes. Technical product data, conditions of use, and potential substitution options are regularly reviewed to reliably meet both regulatory requirements and customer demands for the safe use of articles.
Key Points
- The REACH Candidate List acts as a trigger for information and notification obligations
- 0.1% weight by weight (w/w) concentration threshold per individual article
- SCIP database notification mandatory for articles since January 2021
- Article 33 REACH: Duty to communicate information to recipients and consumers
- Article 7(2) REACH: Notification to ECHA for volumes ≥1 tonne per year
- Regular monitoring of the Candidate List is required
- Supply chain transparency as a fundamental compliance requirement
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