New REACH SVHC added

The newly-added substance of very high concern is being used in some acrylic leather finishing resins.

The REACH Candidate List now contains 224 substances that may have serious effects on human health or the environment. These are known as ‘substances of very high concern’ (SVHCs) and fall under the authorisation category of REACH. If a substance has a potential to be: i) persistent, bio accumulative and toxic for the environment, ii) carcinogenic, iii) mutagenic and iv) toxic for reproduction, it may be added to the SVHC list. The aim of the Candidate List is to promote the replacement of these substances wherever feasible with less dangerous alternatives.

The Candidate List was updated in June 2022 with the addition of one new substance – N-(hydroxymethyl)acrylamide (CAS 924-42-5). This is used in polymer and textile manufacturing and has been identified as being used in some acrylic leather finishing resins. Its carcinogenic and mutagenic properties, plus concerns about damaging fertility or the unborn child, have resulted in its inclusion.

The list is generally updated in January and June of each year and companies have six months after addition to adhere to any legal obligations that may apply. For example, consumers can request information on SVHCs contained in a product from the supplier or retailer, who are obliged to provide a response within 45 days. More information on these legal obligations can be found here.

Publishing Data

This article was originally published on page 4 of the July/August 2022 issue of SATRA Bulletin.

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