Major update to UK REACH! 15 new SVHC candidate substances added
Sep 23,2026
Introduction: What This UK REACH Update Means for Businesses
In June 2024, the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) rolled out a major update to the UK REACH regulation, adding 15 new Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) to the official candidate list. This update brings the total number of SVHC candidate substances to 234, expanding regulatory obligations for all businesses placing products on the UK market.
For importers, manufacturers, and retailers selling goods in the UK, this update requires immediate review of supply chains and product compositions to avoid non-compliance penalties. At QIT Testing, we help businesses navigate UK REACH changes with accredited testing and compliance guidance tailored to every industry [链接到：UK REACH SVHC Compliance Testing Services].
What is the UK REACH SVHC Candidate List?
The SVHC Candidate List is a core component of UK REACH regulation, which manages chemical safety for all products sold in the UK. Substances are added to the list if they are identified as having serious, irreversible risks to human health or the environment, including carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, reproductive toxicity, and persistent bioaccumulative toxicity.
Per UK REACH rules, any SVHC present in a finished article at a concentration above 0.1% weight-by-weight (w/w) triggers mandatory compliance obligations, including supply chain communication and, in some cases, formal notification to HSE. This latest update aligns with the EU REACH SVHC update from 2023, bringing UK REACH in line with current EU chemical safety standards while maintaining independent regulatory oversight per post-Brexit rules.
Full List of 15 Newly Added SVHC Candidate Substances
Below is the complete table of the 15 new substances added, including their CAS numbers and common industrial applications:
| CAS Number | Substance Name | Common Industrial Applications |
|---|---|---|
| 1241-94-7 | 2-(4-tert-Butylbenzyl)propionaldehyde | Fragrance ingredient in cosmetics and household cleaning products |
| 134701-20-5 | 1,7-Bis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-heptane-1,7-dione | Bisphenol analog for polymer and plastic production |
| 25973-55-1 | 3,3',5,5'-Tetramethylbenzidine | Intermediate for dye and pigment manufacturing |
| 35554-44-0 | Isodecyl diphenyl phosphate | Plasticizer and flame retardant for PVC and rubber products |
| 3648-13-3 | 2,2'-Bis(dimethylamino)benzophenone | Photoinitiator for UV-cured coatings and printing inks |
| 4129-47-3 | 1,4-Butanediol diglycidyl ether | Epoxy resin diluent for adhesives and composite materials |
| 61788-44-1 | Tall oil fatty acids | Additive for coatings, soaps, and industrial emulsifiers |
| 68515-48-0 | Bis(2-ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHT) | Plasticizer for food contact materials and medical devices |
| 79-94-7 | Tetrabromobisphenol A | Flame retardant for electronic components and technical textiles |
| 80-09-1 | 4,4'-Dihydroxydiphenyl sulfone (Bisphenol S) | Bisphenol analog for thermal paper and polymer production |
| 95-83-0 | 4-Chloro-2-methylphenol | Preservative for cosmetics and personal care products |
| 101-77-9 | 4,4'-Methylenedianiline | Curing agent for epoxy resins and polyurethane products |
| 108-46-3 | Resorcinol | Rubber adhesive and dye manufacturing intermediate |
| 119-61-9 | Benzophenone | UV absorber for plastics and fragrance ingredient |
| 123-31-9 | Hydroquinone | Photographic developing agent and cosmetic ingredient |
People Also Ask
Q: What is the difference between UK REACH and EU REACH SVHC updates?
A: After Brexit, UK REACH is operated independently by the UK HSE, while EU REACH is managed by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). While the UK often aligns its SVHC updates with EU changes, it may adjust timelines or scope based on domestic priorities. Businesses selling products in both the UK and EU must comply with both sets of regulatory requirements. Learn more about key differences [链接到：UK REACH vs EU REACH: A Guide for Importers].
Q: Do I need to test my products for the 15 new SVHCs immediately?
A: HSE guidance requires businesses to complete a substance assessment within 6 months of a candidate list update. If there is reasonable suspicion that any of the 15 new SVHCs are present in your product above the 0.1% w/w threshold, accredited testing is required to confirm concentrations. QIT Testing offers fast, accredited testing for all 15 new substances to support timely compliance [链接到：SVHC Testing Turnaround Times].
Q: What are the penalties for non-compliance with updated UK REACH rules?
A: Non-compliance can result in product withdrawal from the UK market, fines of up to £20,000, and criminal charges for serious violations. Repeat non-compliance can lead to permanent import bans, so updating your compliance program after this update is critical.
Q: How often does the UK REACH SVHC Candidate List get updated?
A: Typically, HSE updates the SVHC Candidate List 1-2 times per year, most often aligning with new updates to the EU REACH SVHC list. Businesses should monitor HSE announcements regularly to stay current with regulatory changes.
Who Does This Update Affect?
This update impacts all businesses that place products on the UK market, regardless of business size or product type. Key impacted sectors include:
- Chemical manufacturers and importers
- Consumer goods brands (cosmetics, apparel, home goods)
- Electronics and electrical equipment manufacturers
- Automotive and aerospace supply chains
- Food contact material and medical device producers
- Retailers importing finished goods from non-UK countries
Even small businesses importing low-value consignments are required to comply with SVHC communication obligations, so all stakeholders should review their product portfolios after this update.
Step-by-Step Guide to Compliance After the UK REACH Update
Map Your Full Supply Chain
Collect detailed information on all raw materials and components used in your finished products from all upstream suppliers. Cross-reference material compositions against the list of 15 new SVHCs to identify high-risk materials.
Conduct Accredited SVHC Testing
For high-risk materials, complete accredited laboratory testing to measure the concentration of each new SVHC. QIT Testing's ISO 17025 accredited testing meets all UK HSE requirements for SVHC detection across all product categories.
Update Product Compliance Documentation
Update Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for chemical products and compliance declarations for finished goods to reflect any SVHCs found above the 0.1% w/w threshold.
Communicate SVHC Information Downstream
Notify downstream users (retailers, manufacturers, consumers) of any SVHC presence above the threshold. Consumers must receive a response to any SVHC inquiry within 45 days per UK REACH rules.
Submit Notification to HSE If Required
If any new SVHC is present above 0.1% w/w and your total annual volume exceeds 1 tonne per substance, submit a formal notification to HSE via the UK REACH portal within 6 months of the update.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 0.1% w/w threshold for SVHCs under UK REACH?
The 0.1% weight-by-weight threshold refers to the concentration of an SVHC in an individual finished article. If any SVHC exceeds this concentration, core compliance obligations (supply chain communication, documentation) are triggered.
Do I need to notify HSE for SVHCs below 1 tonne per year?
No. Formal notification to HSE is only required when the total annual volume of the SVHC in articles placed on the UK market exceeds 1 tonne per substance. However, supply chain communication requirements still apply even for volumes below the 1 tonne threshold.
Are newly added SVHCs immediately banned in the UK?
No. Addition to the SVHC candidate list does not equal an immediate ban. Substances on the candidate list may be moved to the Authorisation List at a later date, which would require special approval for continued use. Until that point, businesses only need to meet standard notification and communication obligations.
Can QIT Testing support my UK REACH compliance after this update?
Yes. QIT Testing offers end-to-end UK REACH compliance support, including accredited SVHC testing for all 15 newly added candidate substances, supply chain assessment guidance, and documentation support to help you meet all HSE requirements. [链接到：Request a Free Compliance Quote for UK REACH]
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