C
Candidate List
Definition
The Candidate List is ECHA’s list of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) identified under Article 59 of REACH. Substances are added following a formal process including Annex XV dossier submission, public consultation, and Member State Committee agreement. As of February 4, 2026, the Candidate List contains 253 entries. ECHA updates the list periodically — typically in January and June each year, with occasional interim updates. Candidate List inclusion triggers immediate obligations under Articles 7, 31, and 33 of REACH.
Source
REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, Article 59; ECHA Candidate List (current as of February 4, 2026: 253 entries).
Practical Explanation (Compliance Context)
Every Candidate List update requires an immediate portfolio screening exercise. Companies supplying articles must check every Candidate List addition against their BOMs and trigger Article 33 communications, Article 7(2) notifications (where >1 t/year), and SCIP updates. Monitoring the ECHA website and subscribing to ECHA alerts is essential. Missed notifications create supply chain liability and enforcement risk.