Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) is a term used in the field of chemical management to identify substances with potentially hazardous properties that are of particular concern to human health and the environment. It refers to substances that have been classified as such by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) regulation or other regulations.
The classification as SVHC signifies that the substance exhibits one or more of the following characteristics: carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, toxic to reproduction, persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic (PBT), very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB), or any other properties that cause equivalent concern. SVHCs are often associated with severe health effects, including developmental issues, cancer, or environmental effects such as bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms.
Once a substance is identified as SVHC, it triggers certain obligations and regulatory requirements. For instance, industries producing or importing products containing SVHCs beyond a certain threshold concentration, typically 0.1% weight by weight, have obligations to communicate information about the presence of these substances to customers along the supply chain. Additionally, SVHCs may be subject to authorization, restriction, or ultimately substitution in certain applications.
The identification and management of SVHCs aim to prevent or minimize their use, protecting human health and the environment. It allows stakeholders, including industries, regulatory agencies, and consumers, to make informed decisions regarding the handling, use, and disposal of chemicals that pose potential risks.
