ECHA publishes initial list of substances of very high concern

ERJ staff report (DS)

Helsinki, Finland -- ECHA, the European Chemicals Agency charged with implementing the REACh legislation, has published a list of 14 Substances of VeryHigh Concern (SVHC) that may become subject to authorisation.

Executive Director of ECHA Geert Dancet stressed that “these 15 are only the first substances of very high concern identified through the formal process. The EU Member States and ECHA are preparing new proposals and the Candidate List will thus be updated”.

From 2011, any article containing over 0.1 percent by weight of these substances, or more than 1 tonne/year must be notified to the authorities.

The initial list includes Benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), sometimes used as a plasticiser in the rubber industry.

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Press release from ECHA (includes full listing of substances)