SVHC list latest update: TPP is added as item 242, what should companies do?

On November 7, 2024, Helsinki time, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) issued a major announcement officially adding Triphenyl Phosphate (TPP) to the list of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) under REACH. This update marks the increase of the SVHC list to 242 substances, adding another chapter to the regulation of chemical substances in the European market.

TPP, chemically known as triphenyl phosphate, is a phosphorus-containing compound widely used as a flame retardant and plasticizer for plastics and resins, and as a softener for synthetic rubber. However, as research into its safety has intensified, TPP has been found to have possible negative impacts on human health and the environment. According to studies, TPP can be absorbed by the human body through the oral and inhalation routes, has a mild inhibitory effect on human erythrocyte acetylcholinesterase, and shows strong toxicity to aquatic organisms, being categorized as Aquatic Hazard Acute Category 1 and Aquatic Hazard Chronic Category 1. Experiments have demonstrated that TPP possesses significant endocrine-disrupting properties in fish and amphibians.

Based on these hazards, ECHA has included TPP on the SVHC list under Article 57(f) - environment of the EU REACH regulation.

For manufacturers or importers, they need to fulfill the relevant SVHC obligations within six months after November 7, 2024 if their articles for export to Europe contain TPP. Under the EU REACH regulation, if the SVHC content in a product exceeds 0.1%, relevant information must be communicated downstream, including an SDS or Safe Use Directive, and contain at least the name of that SVHC. Consumers can make a similar request and suppliers should provide the relevant information free of charge within 45 days.

In addition, manufacturers, importers or sole representatives in the EU are also required to submit an SVHC notification to ECHA when the SVHC content in an article exceeds 0.1% and the annual export volume exceeds 1 ton. For new SVHC substances, the notification obligation needs to be completed within 6 months after the addition to the list.

It is worth noting that since January 5, 2021, products containing more than 0.1% of SVHC substances for export to Europe will also need to complete the SCIP notification before they can be placed on the market. Meanwhile, articles containing SVHC substances will not be able to apply for the EU Ecolabel.

The inclusion of TPP in the SVHC list will undoubtedly have a far-reaching impact on the production and export of the relevant industries. For manufacturers and importers, they need to pay close attention to the latest SVHC list issued by ECHA and ensure the compliance of their products. At the same time, it also reminds global chemical manufacturers and traders that when developing and producing chemicals, they must fully consider their impact on the environment and human health, and ensure the safety and sustainability of their products.

In summary, the formal inclusion of TPP in the SVHC list is an important initiative in the field of chemical regulation in Europe, which further strengthens the EU's efforts to regulate hazardous chemical substances and reminds global enterprises that they need to pay more attention to the environmental protection and safety of their products.