REACH Candidate List Reaches 251 SVHCs

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has once again updated its Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) Candidate List. On June 25, 2025, the list officially grew to include 251 substances, following the addition of 1,4-dioxane due to its carcinogenic properties.

Although this might appear like a minor update—just one new substance—the impact across industries is anything but small. Companies dealing with chemicals, mixtures, or manufactured articles in the European Economic Area (EEA) must now reassess their obligations under the EU REACH Regulation (EC 1907/2006).

In this post, we’ll break down what the new listing means, why it matters, and what actions your business should take to remain compliant.

What Is REACH and Why Are SVHCs Important?

REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) is one of the world’s most comprehensive chemical regulatory frameworks. Among its key provisions is the SVHC Candidate List, which includes substances that may pose serious risks to human health or the environment.

Substances can be added to the Candidate List for several reasons, including:

• Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or Reproductive toxicity (CMR)
• Persistence, Bioaccumulation, and Toxicity (PBT)
• Very Persistent and Very Bioaccumulative (vPvB)ccccc

Other equally concerning effects, such as endocrine disruption

Once listed, SVHCs are subject to strict communication, documentation, and notification requirements, especially if they are present in articles (finished products) at concentrations above 0.1% weight by weight (w/w).

June 2025 Update: Introducing 1,4-Dioxane

The newest addition to the Candidate List is:

• 1,4-Dioxane
• EC No.: 204-661-8
• CAS No.: 123-91-1
• Reason for inclusion: Carcinogenic (Category 1B)

Current uses: Historically used as a solvent and stabilizer, now more often found as a by-product in ethoxylated surfactants used in detergents, personal care items, and cleaning products.

What makes 1,4-dioxane particularly challenging for industry is its unintentional presence. Even if a company does not directly add this substance to their products, it may still appear in trace levels due to its formation during the ethoxylation process.

Why Should You Care About Trace Impurities?

You may assume that substances like 1,4-dioxane—especially when only present in minute amounts—do not pose compliance issues. However, that assumption can be costly.

REACH defines an article as any object with a specific shape, surface, or design that determines its function, such as a plastic case, textile, or electronic part. If any part or sub-article contains over 0.1% w/w of an SVHC, the company placing the article on the EU market must:

Inform recipients and professional users of the SVHC’s presence and how to use the article safely.

Provide information to consumers, upon request, within 45 days.

Notify ECHA through the SCIP (Substances of Concern in Products) database, if the article is placed on the EU market.

Even unintentional impurities like 1,4-dioxane may trigger these obligations if present above the threshold.

Implications for Your Supply Chain

The latest SVHC update serves as a wake-up call: your business may be using hazardous substances without even knowing it.

That’s especially true for complex products that include:

• Ethoxylated surfactants
• Polymeric materials
• Coatings and adhesives
• Personal care product ingredients
• Textile finishes and detergents

Without full material disclosure from your suppliers, you risk non-compliance, market access delays, and regulatory penalties.

Moreover, today’s consumers and regulators demand transparency. Ignoring SVHC obligations can also damage your company’s brand and reputation.

What Businesses Should Do Right Now

With the Candidate List now covering 251 substances, here’s how your business can stay ahead:

• Review all materials and mixtures in your products for SVHC content
• Request updated declarations and Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) from your suppliers
• Assess articles for SVHCs at the 0.1% threshold (including sub-articles!)

Train staff on REACH compliance and supply chain communication

This isn’t a one-time exercise. ECHA updates the Candidate List roughly twice per year, and your compliance strategy must evolve accordingly.

How Enviropass Can Help

At Enviropass, we specialize in product environmental compliance. We help you decode regulations like REACH and navigate complex substance reporting requirements.

Our services include:

• REACH SVHC assessments aligned with IEC 63000
• SCIP database notifications
• Supplier engagement and document reviews
• Training for your compliance team
• Custom compliance action plans for electronics, consumer goods, and beyond

We understand the difference between full lab testing and strategic documentary review—and we’ll guide you through both.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Invisible Chemicals Derail Your Compliance

The addition of 1,4-dioxane may seem minor, but it illustrates a larger trend. Regulatory bodies are digging deeper into trace substances, by-products, and hidden hazards.

If your products go to the European market, REACH compliance isn’t optional—it’s mandatory. And with 251 SVHCs (and counting), proactive compliance is the only way to avoid surprises.

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