On 9 July 2026, the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued a notice to initiate a public consultation on the inclusion of 9 chemical substances in the UK REACH Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) candidate list, covering flame retardants, plasticizers, UV absorbers, fluorinated compounds, and other categories. The deadline for submitting comments is 20 August 2026. CIRS Group provides the following analysis.
Details of the 9 Proposed Substances
|
No. |
Substance Name |
Abbreviation |
CAS No. |
SVHC Property |
|
1 |
Bis(4-chlorophenyl) sulphone |
BCPS |
80-07-9 |
Very Persistent and Very Bioaccumulative (vPvB) |
|
2 |
Medium-chain chlorinated paraffins |
MCCP |
— |
PBT + vPvB |
|
3 |
1,1'-[ethane-1,2-diylbis(oxy)]bis[2,4,6-tribromobenzene] |
BTBPE |
37853-59-1 |
vPvB |
|
4 |
2-tert-butyl-6-(5-chloro-2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4-methylphenol |
Bumetrizole |
3896-11-5 |
vPvB |
|
5 |
Oligomerisation and alkylation reaction products of 2-phenylpropene and phenol |
OAPP |
— |
vPvB |
|
6 |
Reaction mass of triphenylthiophosphate and tertiary butylated phenyl derivatives |
— |
192268-65-8 |
PBT |
|
7 |
O,O,O-triphenyl phosphorothioate |
TPPT |
597-82-0 |
PBT |
|
8 |
Perfluoroheptanoic acid and its salts |
PFHpA |
— |
Reproductive toxicity + Equivalent level of concern |
|
9 |
4,4'-[2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethylidene]diphenol and its salts |
— |
— |
Reproductive toxicity |
Next Steps
HSE stated that if no valid comments are received during the consultation period, the substances will be automatically added to the candidate list. If comments are received, HSE will make a final decision within 45 days after the consultation ends. Stakeholders may submit scientific, technical, and use-related information. It is worth noting that if the proposal is based on the GB mandatory classification and labelling list (MCL), challenges to the MCL itself will not be accepted. However, information on substance uses, quantities, exposure scenarios, and alternatives may be considered for subsequent prioritization assessments for the authorisation list.
ChemRadar Insights
If a substance is included in the candidate list, suppliers must fulfil the following statutory obligations:
1. Information Obligation for Substances in Articles
If an article (as defined) contains a substance on the candidate list at a concentration exceeding 0.1% weight by weight (w/w), sufficient information must be provided to the recipient of the article to ensure its safe use. The information shall as a minimum include the name of the substance. This obligation applies to the supply of articles to recipients who use or handle the articles in the course of their work. If a consumer (general public) makes a request, equivalent information must also be provided. The information must be provided within 45 days of receiving the request.
2. Notification of Substances in Articles
If articles containing a substance on the candidate list are manufactured, imported, or supplied, a notification may need to be submitted to HSE.
3. Information Obligation for Substances in Mixtures
If a supplied mixture is not classified as hazardous under GB CLP regulations but contains a substance on the candidate list at a concentration of 0.1% (w/w) or higher in a non-gaseous mixture, a safety data sheet must be provided upon request.
4. Information Obligation for Substances
If a supplied substance is included in the UK REACH candidate list, a safety data sheet (SDS) must be provided to the customer.
CIRS Services
• Only Representative (OR) services in the UK
• Grandfathering consultation services
• UK REACH notification (DUIN) services
• UK REACH full registration services in the UK
• Chemical regulatory compliance consulting services in the UK
