SVHC Candidate List updates and how do manufacturers comply?

The REACH SVHC Candidate List is a list of substances that have been identified as being of very high concern for human health or the environment. Once a substance is added to the Candidate List, companies have several obligations to comply with, including:  

• Providing information to customers about the presence of the substance in their products  
• Minimizing the release of the substance into the environment  
• Developing alternative substances or processes that do not pose the same risks  

Companies must comply with REACH if they contain components with an SVHC that exceeds 0.1% of the article’s weight. 

According to the ECHA, “Importers and producers of articles 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.” Substances 1-5 listed above were added on 23 January 2024, while Bis(α,α-dimethylbenzyl) peroxide was added on 27 June 2024 and Triphenyl Phosphate was added on 7 November 2024.

What are the consequences of violating REACH SVHC regulations?

Violating REACH SVHC regulations can have significant consequences for companies, ranging from financial penalties to reputational damage and even criminal charges. Here’s a breakdown of the potential consequences: 

Financial Penalties: 

• Fines: Depending on the severity of the violation, companies can face hefty fines from enforcement authorities. These fines can be in the millions of euros for serious violations. 
• Costs of rectification: Companies may be required to take corrective actions to address the non-compliance, such as recalling products, conducting safety assessments, or implementing new risk management measures. These actions can be expensive and time-consuming. 
• Loss of business: Customers may hesitate to do business with a company that has violated REACH SVHC regulations, leading to lost revenue and market share. 

Reputational Damage: 

• Negative publicity: News of a REACH SVHC violation can damage a company’s reputation, leading to negative press coverage and potentially impacting its stock price. 
• Loss of consumer trust: Consumers may be less likely to buy products from a company that is putting their health and safety at risk. 
• Exclusion from supply chains: Some companies may choose to exclude suppliers who have violated REACH SVHC regulations from their supply chains. 

Legal Consequences: 

• Criminal charges: In some cases, serious violations of REACH SVHC regulations may lead to criminal charges against the company or its executives. 
• Product bans: If a product contains an SVHC violating the regulations, it may be banned from sale in the EU. 

How to Avoid Violating REACH SVHC Regulations

Navigating REACH SVHC regulations can be complex, but proactive measures can help avoid compliance issues. Know your exposure – regularly monitor updates, seek expert guidance, increase visibility into your bills-of-materials (BOMs) and source safer alternatives. Utilizing software tools for REACH compliance management can streamline the process and minimize errors by connecting accurate documentation. 

Industry leaders prefer SiliconExpert to help manage SVHC compliance across their BOMs, approved component / manufacturer lists (ACL/AML). Compliance managers, procurement teams and engineers:  

• Identify SVHCs in their products and components with pinpoint accuracy. 
• Generate REACH-compliant documentation and reports effortlessly. 
• Receive alerts about regulatory changes to proactively address potential risks. 

By partnering with SiliconExpert, companies gain the confidence and clarity needed to navigate the complexities of REACH SVHC compliance.