2025 : REACH Compliance
On January 21, 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) made a crucial move to strengthen environmental and human health protections by expanding the Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC). This latest update includes five new hazardous chemicals, bringing the total number of entries on the list to 247. These additions highlight ECHA’s continued commitment to chemical safety and regulatory enforcement.
For businesses operating within the European Union (EU) or exporting products to the region, REACH compliance remains a non-negotiable regulatory requirement. Companies must ensure that their products meet safety standards, follow proper risk management practices, and disclose essential information about hazardous substances. The latest changes make it even more critical for industries to stay informed and proactively align with REACH compliance requirements to maintain market access.
Newly Added Hazardous Substances and Their Impact
ECHA’s latest expansion of the SVHC list aims to address chemicals with high levels of environmental and health risks. Below are the newly listed substances and their implications:
>> Octamethyltrisiloxane (D3)
- Key Characteristics: Classified as very persistent and bioaccumulative in the environment.
- Common Applications: Found in personal care products, lubricants, and industrial processes.
- Compliance Considerations: Companies must evaluate and manage the potential long-term environmental impact of using D3, ensuring compliance with REACH regulations. Transparency in providing safety information to consumers is essential.
>> 4,4′-Sulfonyldiphenol (Bisphenol S)
- Key Characteristics: Identified as toxic for reproduction.
- Common Applications: Frequently used as a substitute for Bisphenol A (BPA) in plastics, epoxy resins, and thermal paper.
- Compliance Considerations: Businesses must notify ECHA if their products contain Bisphenol S in concentrations exceeding 0.1% by weight. Additionally, manufacturers should explore safer alternatives to reduce regulatory risks.
>> Perfluorobutane Sulfonic Acid (PFBS) and Its Salts
- Key Characteristics: Persistent in the environment, bioaccumulative, and toxic.
- Common Applications: Used in firefighting foams, water-resistant coatings, and textile treatments.
- Compliance Considerations: Companies must implement risk management strategies to minimize human and environmental exposure. Providing detailed safety information and ensuring proper waste disposal are essential steps for compliance.
>> Dicyclohexyl Phthalate (DCHP)
- Key Characteristics: Recognized for its toxic effects on reproduction and potential endocrine-disrupting properties.
- Common Applications: Used as a plasticizer in the production of rubber, PVC, and coatings.
- Compliance Considerations: Organizations using DCHP must ensure proper labeling and risk communication. If present above regulatory thresholds, businesses must notify ECHA and explore alternative plasticizers that pose fewer health risks.
>> 2,2-bis(Bromomethyl)propane-1,3-diol (BMP)
- Key Characteristics: Classified as carcinogenic, posing serious health hazards.
- Common Applications: Used as a flame retardant in plastics and furniture.
- Compliance Considerations: Manufacturers and importers must strictly control exposure levels, adopt safer substitutes, and provide comprehensive safety guidelines to consumers.
Ensuring REACH Compliance with Krishna Metallurgical Laboratories
For businesses, achieving REACH compliance is not just about legal adherence—it is crucial for market access, brand reputation, and consumer trust. As regulations evolve, companies must stay ahead by regularly testing and analyzing their materials to ensure compliance with ECHA’s safety guidelines.
At Krishna Metallurgical Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., we specialize in helping businesses navigate the complexities of chemical safety regulations. As a NABL-accredited and ISO-certified testing laboratory, we employ state-of-the-art technology and a team of expert analysts to provide precise, reliable, and actionable insights into material composition and compliance.
Our Services Help Businesses:
- Stay Updated on the latest chemical regulations and compliance requirements.
- Identify Risks associated with hazardous substances in their products.
- Ensure Transparency by offering clear and compliant safety documentation for stakeholders.
By partnering with Krishna Metallurgical Laboratories, businesses can mitigate regulatory risks, ensure consumer safety, and maintain an uninterrupted supply chain in the EU market.
Final Thoughts
The addition of five new hazardous chemicals to the REACH Candidate List marks a significant step in improving chemical safety. Companies must proactively monitor regulations, assess their product compositions, and implement effective risk management measures. With the support of expert testing laboratories like Krishna Metallurgical Laboratories, businesses can confidently ensure full REACH compliance, protect human health, and contribute to a safer environment.
For a detailed overview of the recent REACH updates, visit the official ECHA announcement.of the recent REACH updates, visit the official ECHA announcement.
You can see all substances included in REACH Compliance here – (2025) List of Total Substances in REACH Regulations
