The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) has announced its intention to add Trimellitic Anhydride (TMA) and dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP) as new Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) to the Candidate List in June/July 2018. In addition to the confirmed two chemicals there are another eight potential SVHC’s.
If you manufacture or import articles into the European Union, then you need to be aware that the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) has announced its intention to add two new Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) to the Candidate List bringing the total to 183 substances.
Substances that are confirmed to be added in June/July 2018 are:
| SVHC Name | CAS | Identified Uses |
| benzene-1,2,4-tricarboxylic acid 1,2 anhydride (trimellitic anhydride) (TMA) | 552-30-7 | Used in synthesis of trimellitate esters used as plasticisers in PVC production
Production of enamel wire coatings for wires requiring high thermal stability Embossing agent for foam-backed vinyl flooring
|
| Dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP) | 84-61-7 | Plasticiser for a variety of polymers including nitrocellulose, PVA and PVC
Used in paper finishes and to make printer ink water resistant |
In addition to the two chemicals named above, ECHA has published another eight potential SVHCs to be announced in late June/early July 2018 which would increase the Candidate List further:
| SVHC Name | CAS | Identified Uses |
| Benzo[ghi]perylene | 191-24-2 | Not produced intentionally but occurs as a constituent or impurity in coal and petroleum stream substances |
| Octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) | 556-67-2 | As intermediate for production of silicone polymers
In washing and cleaning products, cosmetics and personal care products, polishes and waxes For manufacture of chemicals, rubber products, plastic products, mineral products (e.g. plasters, cement) and electrical, electronic and optical equipment |
| Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5) | 541-02-6 | As intermediate for production of silicone polymers
In washing and cleaning products, cosmetics and personal care products, polishes, waxes, paints, fragrances and air fresheners In textile treatment products and dyes, polymers and adhesives and sealants |
| Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6) | 540-97-6 | In production of polysiloxane polymers and resins
In washing and cleaning products, cosmetics and personal care products, polishes, waxes, pharmaceuticals and medical devices |
| Terphenyl hydrogenated | 61788-32-7 | As additive in plastic applications
In coatings, inks, adhesives, sealants and heat transfer fluids |
| Ethylenediamine | 107-15-3 | In epoxy, PU, adhesives, coatings and other polymers
As polymerization inhibitor, hydrogen sulfite scavenger, neutralizing corrosion inhibitor As a processing aid |
| Lead | 7439-92-1 | In lead-acid batteries, lead sheets and solder
For production of oxides, pigments, stabilizers and other lead compounds In lead articles (e.g. cast, rolled and extruded products, ammunition and lead shot) |
| Disodium octaborate | 12008-41-2 | In micronutrient fertilizers and in refractory mixtures
In cellulose insulation, paints and coatings, construction materials, and borate PVA solutions |
Once the candidate list has been updated, producers, suppliers, importers and retailers in the European Union must provide business clients with information on the presence and safe use of any article containing SVHC that exceeds 0.1% (1000 ppm) and consumers upon request. In case the total amount of an SVHC exceeds 1 tonne per year for all products, this SVHC also must be notified to ECHA.
The addition of these substances undoubtedly adds pressure to suppliers, manufacturers and all those involved within the supply chain.
If your business is a BLC Member you can access the BLC REACH SVHC Risk Matrix on the BLC info hub (members’ section of the BLC Leather Tech website). BLC will update this document when ECHA have announced that these changes have come into effect.
BLC Members are entitled to access the BLC REACH SVHC Risk Matrix for research and reporting purposes as part of their BLC membership benefits on the BLC Leather Tech website.
The BLC REACH SVHC Risk Matrix is a PDF document which lists all Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs). In addition to the full name of each SVHC, the document also provides information on:
BLC Members can use the Matrix to identify which products or groups of products may be at risk of containing SVHCs, in addition identify low, medium and high-risk areas within manufacturing and production processes.
BLC can support your business by offering full REACH screening for SVHCs as well as supply chain support and guidance on REACH regulations.
BLC supports brands, retailers, suppliers and manufacturers with international legislation and compliance issues for leather, textiles and synthetic materials. BLC Members can gain access to advanced technical support through the Technical Concierge service as part of their BLC membership on the BLC Leather Tech website.
If your business requires support with SVHCs, product testing, REACH compliance or compliance with international regulations, you can reach BLC Chemical Testing experts by emailing info@chem-map.com, telephoning +44 (0) 1604 679 999 or by completing the website contact form at the bottom of this web page.
Eurofins | Chem-MAP are pleased to share that Trumpler have been successfully re-certified against ZDHC MRSL V3.1 for their leather chemicals. This is in accordance with Eurofins | Chem-MAP Protocol 5.0 and the most recent conformity guidelines issued by ZDHC in November 2022. Having completed MRSL analysis on both finished...
Published 22nd April 2024 Read more
Eurofins | Chem-MAP® is a brand of
Eurofins | BLC Leather Technology Centre Ltd.
©Copyright Eurofins | BLC Leather Technology Centre Ltd. 2020. All rights reserved.
Contact Us
chemmap@cpt.eurofinseu.com
+44 (0) 1604 679 999