Table of Contents
- What is the meaning of SVHC?
- SVHC Candidate List
- The Importance of SVHC Registration
- Key Steps in SVHC Notification
- Challenges and Opportunities in the Notification Process
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of SVHC?
SVHC is a term used to identify substances that pose significant risks to human health and the environment, with some of them requiring authorization for their use. It stands for “Substances of Very High Concern.”
They are identified by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) under the REACH Regulation. These substances include carcinogens, mutagens, reprotoxic substances, and persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT) substances.
SVHC Candidate List
The SVHC Candidate List is a tool created by ECHA to assist in protecting the environment and human health from the harmful effects of chemicals. ECHA regularly updates the lists and continuously adds substances meeting the necessary criteria.
The inclusion of a substance in the SVHC Candidate List does not necessarily mean its use is banned in the European Union. However, it imposes certain obligations on industrialists who manufacture, use, or import these substances alone, in mixtures, or in articles.
You click here to review the SVHC Candidate List.
The Importance of SVHC Registration
SVHC registration is a critical component of compliance for companies operating in the chemical sector. It contributes to ensuring the safe use and disposal of chemicals. Additionally, through SVHC registration, companies can enhance consumer confidence by providing transparency and reliability in their processes.
Key Steps in SVHC Notification
- Identification:
Before beginning the registration process, it is necessary to examine the substances contained in the relevant product. Through the evaluation and documentation of the substances’ usage patterns, toxicity data, and chemical properties, one may determine whether they are SVHCs. If the substances meet the necessary criteria, they fall within the scope of “substances of very high concern”.
- Data Collection:
After the identification of substances of very high concern, comes the step of collecting data. To create a comprehensive database, responsible persons must gather information such as chemical composition, hazard classification, exposure scenarios, and risk mitigation measures.
- Notification to ECHA:
After collecting the relevant data, notification to ECHA is required. This notification is made when the substances of very high concern exceed an annual threshold of 1 ton in the article’s content and a concentration of 0.1% by weight. - Compliance:
Ensuring communication transparency throughout the SVHC registration process is crucial. Companies should inform stakeholders about SVHCs present in their product contents and the associated risks and necessary risk mitigation measures. Additionally, they should regularly monitor and maintain compliance with evolving regulations to ensure adherence to “substances of very high concern” directives.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Notification Process
During SVHC notification, challenges such as data complexity, regulatory uncertainties, and various costs may arise. However, these challenges present opportunities for innovation and sustainability in the chemical industry. Proactive management of substances of very high concern can lead to the development of safer and environmentally friendly alternatives for products, thereby enhancing the company’s reputation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, SVHC notification is a fundamental aspect of regulatory compliance for companies operating in the chemical industry. By understanding the significance of SVHCs, adhering to registration requirements, and implementing proactive risk management practices, companies can overcome regulatory complexities while developing sustainability initiatives. In doing so, they contribute to ensuring chemical safety and protecting the environment and human health.
If you have more questions about SVHC’s, feel free to contact us.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. REACH and SVHC do not represent the same concepts, but they are related terms.
REACH represents the registration, evaluation, authorization, and restriction of chemicals. It is a European Union regulation that regulates the manufacture, import, and use of chemical substances. It aims to control human health and environmental risks in all stages from manufacture to disposal.
SVHC represents substances of very high concern. SVHCs are chemicals identified under REACH as posing serious environmental and health risks, which may lead to their use being restricted soon. Therefore, while REACH is a regulatory regulation; “substances of very high concern” is a category of dangerous substances defined within the scope of REACH that may be subject to restriction.
According to the REACH Regulation, a substance is defined as a “substance of very high concern” if it meets one or more of the following criteria:
1 – It exhibits carcinogenic properties.
2 – It exhibits mutagenic properties.
3 – It is toxic to reproduction.
4 – It is persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT).
5 – It is very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB).
6 – It has endocrine-disrupting properties.
According to the REACH Regulation, there is no specific limit for SVHCs. However, two main thresholds can lead to different requirements:
Communication Threshold (0.1% by weight): If an article contains an SVHC at a concentration exceeding 0.1% by weight, persons in the supply chain must be informed about the presence of SVHCs and their safe use. This applies even if the total quantity of the article is less than 1 ton per year.
Notification Threshold (0.1% by weight and 1 ton/year): If an article contains an SVHC at a concentration exceeding 0.1% by weight and the total quantity of the article containing SVHC per producer or importer exceeds 1 ton per year, notification to ECHA is required.
An SVHC testing is conducted to determine the presence, ratio, and quantity of SVHCs in products.
The SVHC Candidate List is regularly updated by the European Chemicals Agency. You can visit ECHA’s website for substances classified as SVHCs.