Short Description
Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) are chemicals identified under EU REACH regulation due to their potential risks to human health and the environment. Understanding SVHC requirements is critical for product compliance in the European market.
What Does SVHC Mean?
SVHC stands for Substances of Very High Concern, a classification under the REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals) in the European Union.
These substances are flagged because they may:
- Cause cancer (carcinogenic)
- Damage genetic material (mutagenic)
- Affect reproduction (toxic for reproduction)
- Persist in the environment (PBT/vPvB)
- Disrupt endocrine systems
Why SVHC Matters for Your Products
If your product contains SVHC substances above certain thresholds, you may have:
Legal obligations:
- Notification to regulatory authorities
- Communication requirements across the supply chain
- Potential restrictions or bans
Market risks:
- Blocked entry into EU markets
- Retailer rejections
- Product recalls
What Is the SVHC Threshold?
The key threshold is:
0.1% (w/w) per article
If an SVHC is present above this level:
- You must inform downstream users and customers
- You may need to notify ECHA (European Chemicals Agency)
What Products Are Affected?
SVHC applies broadly to articles and materials, including:
- Textiles and fabrics
- Plastics and packaging
- Cosmetics packaging components
- Consumer goods and electronics
- Coatings, adhesives, and resins
Even if your final product seems safe, raw materials or components may contain SVHCs.
How Often Is the SVHC List Updated?
The SVHC Candidate List is updated twice per year.
This means:
- A compliant product today may become non-compliant tomorrow
- Ongoing monitoring is critical
How Is SVHC Testing Performed?
SVHC testing typically involves:
Targeted chemical analysis:
- LC-MS/MS or GC-MS methods
- Screening against the current candidate list
Material-based evaluation:
- Testing individual components (not just finished product)
SVHC vs REACH Restricted Substances
It’s important to distinguish:
| Category | Meaning |
|---|---|
| SVHC | Substances flagged for concern (candidate list) |
| REACH Restrictions | Substances with defined legal limits or bans |
SVHC is often a precursor to future restrictions.
Common SVHC Examples
Some frequently encountered SVHC substances include:
- Phthalates (plasticizers)
- PFAS compounds
- Heavy metals (lead, cadmium)
- Certain flame retardants
When Should You Test for SVHC?
You should consider SVHC testing if:
- You are entering the EU market
- You manufacture or import consumer products
- You are responding to retailer or regulatory requests
- You need supply chain transparency
How Pentyl Labs Supports SVHC Compliance
At Pentyl Labs, we support SVHC compliance through:
- Targeted SVHC screening
- Total fluorine and PFAS evaluation (where applicable)
- Material-specific testing strategies
We help simplify complex regulatory requirements into clear, actionable results.
Final Thoughts
SVHC compliance is not just a regulatory requirement — it’s a critical part of product safety and market access.
Staying ahead of SVHC updates and testing requirements ensures:
- Faster market entry
- Reduced regulatory risk
- Stronger brand trust
