Overview
Authorisation is the REACH route that targets the most hazardous substances individually. These substances move from the SVHC Candidate List onto Annex XIV. Once a substance is on that list, every continued use of it has to be specifically approved.
The aim is to phase such substances out and push industry towards safer alternatives, while still allowing controlled use where no alternative exists yet.
The sunset date
Each Annex XIV entry carries a sunset date. After that date the substance may only be placed on the market or used if the European Commission has granted an authorisation for that specific use. Companies that want to keep using it must apply in advance and show how they control the risk, or explain why the benefit outweighs it.
Authorisation is use-specific and forward-looking. A company applies for permission for a named use, and the default after the sunset date is that the substance may not be used at all.
This is the opposite end of REACH from restriction. Authorisation works case by case through applications, while restriction simply limits or bans a substance directly. Both sit in the REACH annexes.
Note: general educational information, not legal advice. Check the official source before relying on it.