On November 5, 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) officially updated its Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) Candidate List, welcoming 1,1'-(1,2-ethanediyl)bis[pentabromobenzene] – commonly known as Decabromodiphenylethane (DBDPE) – as the latest addition. This update expands the SVHC Candidate List to 34 batches covering 251 substances, with 1 substance pending decision (Resorcinol) and 3 substances under consultation. For enterprises manufacturing or exporting to the European Union (EU), proactive compliance with the updated regulatory requirements has become imperative.
1. Core Information on the Newly Added SVHC Substance
The newly listed DBDPE (CAS Number: 84852-53-9) is a typical additive flame retardant with extensive applications across multiple industries, including:
DBDPE’s inclusion in the SVHC Candidate List means enterprises involved in the production, processing, or export of the above products must immediately conduct supply chain screenings to identify and eliminate non-compliant materials containing this substance.
2. Status Update on 3 SVHC Consultation Substances
Alongside the new addition, ECHA announced the conclusion of public consultations for 3 SVHC consultation substances on October 16, 2025. These substances are likely to be formally added to the Candidate List in future updates, requiring enterprises to prepare in advance:
Enterprises utilizing these substances should proactively assess their supply chains and technical alternatives to mitigate future compliance risks.
3. Core Compliance Requirements for Enterprises
ECHA requires enterprises to strictly comply with the following regulatory obligations under REACH and related directives:
Concentration Threshold: When an SVHC in an article exceeds 0.1% (w/w), the enterprise must meet the corresponding compliance obligations.
SCIP Notification: In accordance with the Waste Framework Directive (WFD), enterprises have been required to submit SCIP notifications since January 5, 2021. The submitted data is made publicly available on ECHA’s official website.
REACH Notification: If the total annual volume of an SVHC contained in articles exceeds 1 ton per manufacturer or importer, the enterprise must notify ECHA.
Information Communication: Even when notification thresholds are not reached, enterprises must communicate relevant information on substances exceeding 0.1% (w/w) to downstream users.
It is important to note that the SVHC Candidate List is updated twice a year, with its regulatory scope continuously expanding. Therefore, proactive supply chain risk assessment and compliance management have become essential for enterprises to prevent potential market entry barriers.
4. RTS Compliance Support Solutions
Navigating the ever-changing landscape of EU chemical regulations can be challenging. RTS Testing provides comprehensive SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) compliance solutions to help enterprises stay ahead of regulatory demands and maintain seamless market access.
Supply Chain SVHC Screening: Accurately identify both newly added and existing SVHCs across raw materials, components, and finished products.
Concentration Testing & Verification: Deliver reliable test reports to verify whether substance concentrations meet or exceed regulatory thresholds.
Notification & Information Transmission Guidance: Support enterprises in preparing SCIP and REACH notifications, as well as drafting downstream communication documents.
Regulatory Dynamic Tracking: Offer real-time monitoring of SVHC List updates and compliance changes, enabling early identification of potential risks.
By partnering with RTS Testing, enterprises can simplify compliance management, reduce regulatory risks, and ensure uninterrupted access to the EU market.
Source Link：https://echa.europa.eu/da/candidate-list-table.