Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) – PFAS

Under REACH, a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) is a chemical meeting one or more criteria defined in Article 57: carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction (CMR); persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT); very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB); or of equivalent concern. Several PFAS have been identified as SVHCs and added to the REACH Candidate List based on PBT/vPvB properties or equivalent concern. SVHC identification triggers supply chain communication, SCIP notification, and potential authorization requirements.

REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, Article 57–59; ECHA Candidate List; ECHA SVHC Identification Guidance.

SVHC identification is often the first step in a multi-stage regulatory process that can lead to authorization (Annex XIV) or restriction (Annex XVII). For PFAS, the practical implication is immediate: once a PFAS is on the Candidate List, companies must communicate its presence in articles above 0.1% w/w to customers, notify the SCIP database, and prepare for potential future authorization or restriction. Companies should proactively screen products against the current Candidate List and stay ahead of upcoming SVHC identifications.

ECHA identifies a new PFAS group as SVHCs based on equivalent concern (environmental persistence and mobility). All EU article suppliers whose products contain these PFAS above 0.1% w/w must immediately update customer communications, submit SCIP notifications, and begin evaluating alternatives.