Two New SVHC’s Added to the Candidate List with Potentially Eight More to Follow
If you manufacture or import articles into the EU then you need to be aware that recently, the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) has announced its intention to add two new Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) to the Candidate List bringing the total to 183 substances.
Confirmed New SVHC's
The two new substances that are confirmed to be added in June/July 2018 are:
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SVHC Name
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CAS
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Identified Uses
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benzene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid 1,2 anhydride (trimellitic anhydride) (TMA)
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552-30-7
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Used in synthesis of trimellitate esters used as plasticisers in PVC production
Production of enamel wire coatings for wires requiring high thermal stability
Embossing agent for foam-backed vinyl flooring
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dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP)
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84-61-7
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Plasticiser for a variety of polymers including nitrocellulose, PVA and PVC
Used in paper finishes and to make printer ink water resistant
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Potential Additional SVHC's
In addition to the two chemicals named above, ECHA has published another eight potential SVHCs to be announced in late June/early July 2018 which would increase the Candidate List further:
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SVHC Name
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CAS
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Identified Uses
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Benzo[ghi]perylene
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191-24-2
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Not produced intentionally but occurs as a constituent or impurity in coal and petroleum stream substances
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Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4)
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556-67-2
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As intermediate for production of silicone polymers
In washing and cleaning products, cosmetics and personal care products, polishes and waxes
For manufacture of chemicals, rubber products, plastic products, mineral products (e.g. plasters, cement) and electrical, electronic and optical equipment
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|
Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5)
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541-02-6
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As intermediate for production of silicone polymers
In washing and cleaning products, cosmetics and personal care products, polishes, waxes, paints, fragrances and air fresheners
In textile treatment products and dyes, polymers and adhesives and sealants
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Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6)
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540-97-6
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In production of polysiloxane polymers and resins
In washing and cleaning products, cosmetics and personal care products, polishes, waxes, pharmaceuticals and medical devices
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Terphenyl hydrogenated
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61788-32-7
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As additive in plastic applications
In coatings, inks, adhesives, sealants and heat transfer fluids
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|
Ethylenediamine
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107-15-3
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In epoxy, PU, adhesives, coatings and other polymers
As polymerization inhibitor, hydrogen sulfite scavenger, neutralizing corrosion inhibitor
As a processing aid
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|
Lead
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7439-92-1
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In lead-acid batteries, lead sheets and solder
For production of oxides, pigments, stabilizers and other lead compounds
In lead articles (e.g. cast, rolled and extruded products, ammunition and lead shot)
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Disodium octaborate
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12008-41-2
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In micronutrient fertilizers and in refractory mixtures
In cellulose insulation, paints and coatings, construction materials, and borate PVA solutions
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Your Business Obligations
Once the candidate list has been updated, producers, suppliers, importers and retailers in the European Union must provide business clients with information on the presence and safe use of any article containing SVHC that exceeds 0.1% (1000 ppm) and consumers upon request. In case the total amount of an SVHC exceeds 1 tonne per year for all products, this SVHC also must be notified to ECHA.
BLC Are Here to Help!
The addition of these substances undoubtedly adds pressure to suppliers, manufacturers and all those involved within the supply chain.
If your business is a BLC Member you can access the BLC REACH SVHC Risk Matrix on the BLC info hub (members’ section of the website). BLC will update this document when ECHA have announced that these changes have come into effect.
BLC Members are entitled to access the BLC REACH SVHC Risk Matrix for research and reporting purposes as part of their BLC membership benefits.
What is the BLC REACH SVHC Risk Matrix?
The BLC REACH SVHC Risk Matrix is a PDF document which lists all Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs). In addition to the full name of each SVHC, the document also provides information on:
- The CAS Number
- Additional information about how certain SVHCs may be used in production
- Potential low, medium or high-risk material of each SVHC being present in different material categories
BLC Members can use the Matrix to identify which products or groups of products may be at risk of containing SVHCs, in addition identify low, medium and high-risk areas within manufacturing and production processes.
BLC can support your business by offering full REACH screening for SVHCs as well as supply chain support and guidance on REACH regulations.
Access Legislation and Compliance Support
BLC supports brands, retailers, suppliers and manufacturers with international legislation and compliance issues for leather, textiles and synthetic materials. BLC Members can gain access to advanced technical support through the Technical Concierge service as part of their BLC membership.
If your business requires support with SVHCs, product testing, REACH compliance or compliance with international regulations, contact BLC today via [email protected] or telephone us on +44 (0)1604 679999
12 June 2018