The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is consulting on proposals for 16 chemicals to be included on a ‘candidate list’ of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs).
The consultation, which began on 30 June, and lasts until 14 August, invites interested parties to submit scientific comments relating to the hazardous properties of the substances that qualify them as SVHCs. Information is also welcome on use and exposure, as well as safer alternative substances and techniques. Producers and importers of articles that contain substances on the candidate list will have, under certain conditions, a duty to notify the ECHA.
Suppliers of such articles will need to provide customers with information on their safe use. The first candidate list will be published by the end of October 2008 on the Agency’s website, and will be updated when new substances are identified as SVHC.
