ECHA adds two hazardous chemicals to the Candidate List

The newly added substances are n-hexane and 4,4'-[2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethylidene]diphenol and its salts. They are used, for example, in formulation, polymer processing, coatings, cleaning agents and as process regulators and cross-linking agents respectively. The Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC) now contains 253 entries for chemicals that can harm people or the environment. Companies are responsible for managing the risks of these chemicals and giving customers and consumers information on their safe use. 

Entries added to the Candidate List on 4 February 2026:

With the addition of these substances, the Candidate List has expanded to 253 entries. Since some entries represent entire chemical families, the actual number of regulated substances is even greater. Being listed is often a precursor to the Authorisation List; if moved there, industrial use is prohibited unless the European Commission grants a specific application for continued use.

Inclusion on the Candidate List triggers immediate legal duties under the REACH regulation:

• Information Sharing: If a substance exceeds 0.1% (w/w) in any product, suppliers are legally required to provide safety instructions to customers. Furthermore, consumers hold the "right to know" and can request information regarding the presence of SVHCs in products.

• ECHA Notification: Manufacturers and importers have a six-month window (until August 2026) to notify ECHA if their products contain these substances.

• Safety Data Sheets (SDS): Suppliers in the EU/EEA must proactively update their SDS for these substances or mixtures.

• Waste Framework Directive (SCIP): Companies must also report to the SCIP database if their articles contain SVHCs above the 0.1% threshold, ensuring transparency throughout the product's lifecycle and waste stage.