Definition
An SVHC is a substance identified under REACH as having serious effects on human health or the environment. Identified SVHCs go on the Candidate List, which ECHA maintains and updates roughly twice a year.
Key point
Above 0.1% in an article, an SVHC triggers communication (REACH Article 33), possible ECHA notification, and a SCIP entry. Browse them in the searchable Candidate List.
What qualifies a substance
- CMR: carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction.
- PBT / vPvB: persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (or very persistent and very bioaccumulative).
- Equivalent concern, for example endocrine disruptors.
Why it matters in products
When an article contains a Candidate List SVHC above 0.1% by weight, several duties can apply:
- communication down the supply chain (REACH Article 33),
- notification to ECHA (Article 7(2)),
- a submission to the SCIP database.
Note: this is an educational summary maintained by the Pareo team. The Candidate List changes, so always check the current ECHA list.