What is an SVHC Substance?

SVHC stands for "Substance of Very High Concern" in English and means high risk substances. According to the REACH regulation, SVHC substances, which can be found in various products and materials, must be controlled through use restrictions and authorizations. The main target of these restrictions and control applications are substances in products that pose a great risk to the environment and human health.

These substances may fulfil one or more of the following criteria:

• First or second class carcinogenic, mutagenic or reproduction toxic substances (CMR)
• Substances identified as PBT (persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic) or vPvB (very persistent and very bioaccumulative) under Annex XIII of the REACH Regulation
• Endocrine disruptors

SVHC substances may be included in REACH Annex XIV or Annex XVII, as a result of expert evaluation.