Helsinki, June 27, 2024 – The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has confirmed the addition of a new chemical, bis(α,α-dimethylbenzyl) peroxide, to the Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC). The list now contains a total of 241 entries, which include chemicals that can harm human health or the environment. Companies are responsible for managing the risks associated with these chemicals and providing customers and consumers with information on their safe use.

Overview of the New Substance

The newly added bis(α,α-dimethylbenzyl) peroxide is recognized as toxic for reproduction and is primarily used as a processing aid, such as a flame retardant.

This substance may be placed on the Authorisation List in the future. If a substance is on this list, companies cannot use it unless they apply for authorization and receive approval from the European Commission.

Update on Other Substances

During the June meeting, the ECHA Member State Committee (MSC) had planned to discuss the identification of triphenyl phosphate (TPhP; EC no. 204-112-2) as an SVHC. However, due to substantial new information received just days before the meeting, ECHA decided to suspend the agreement-seeking process for this substance. This suspension ensures that the newly provided data will be properly evaluated and considered in the SVHC identification process.

Implications of Inclusion on the Candidate List

Under the REACH regulation, companies have legal obligations when their substance is included in the Candidate List, whether on its own, in mixtures, or in articles. If an article contains a Candidate List substance above a concentration of 0.1% (weight by weight), suppliers must provide their customers and consumers with information on how to use it safely. Consumers have the right to ask suppliers whether the products they purchase contain substances of very high concern.

Importers and producers of articles must notify ECHA if their article contains a Candidate List substance within six months from the date it has been included in the list (June 27, 2024). EU and EEA suppliers of substances on the Candidate List, whether supplied on their own or in mixtures, are required to update the safety data sheet they provide to their customers.

Additionally, under the Waste Framework Directive, companies must notify ECHA if the articles they produce contain substances of very high concern in a concentration above 0.1% (weight by weight). This notification is published in ECHA’s database of substances of concern in products (SCIP).

Reference: [ECHA Official Website](https://echa.europa.eu/-/echa-adds-one-hazardous-chemical-to-the-candidate-list)