REACH Candidate List (SVHC – PFAS)

The REACH Candidate List is a published list of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) identified under REACH Article 59. Several PFAS have been added to the Candidate List, including PFOA, PFHxS, HFPO-DA (GenX), C9–14 PFCAs, and additional PFAS groups identified in 2019, 2020, and 2023. SVHC identification triggers communication and notification obligations for companies placing articles containing SVHCs above 0.1% w/w on the EU market.

REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, Article 59; ECHA Candidate List (regularly updated); SCIP Database (WFD).

When a PFAS is added to the Candidate List, it immediately triggers three obligations: (1) supply chain communication—suppliers must inform downstream users that the article contains an SVHC above 0.1% w/w; (2) SCIP database notification—companies must notify ECHA’s SCIP database with article information; and (3) consumer right to know—consumers can request information about SVHCs in products, and companies must respond within 45 days. These obligations apply immediately upon Candidate List addition, without waiting for Annex XIV authorization listing.

A connector manufacturer discovers that the nickel plating process on its products uses a PFAS-based wetting agent containing HFPO-DA (GenX) at >0.1% w/w. HFPO-DA is on the Candidate List. The manufacturer must now communicate this SVHC presence to customers, submit a SCIP notification, and respond to any consumer inquiries within 45 days.