EU Chemicals Agency Lists 38 Substances As Possibly Subject to Bans Under REACH

BRUSSELS—The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) Aug. 17 listed 38 chemicals as potential “substances of very high concern” (SVHC), meaning they could be banned or have limitations placed on their use under the European Union’s REACH legislation.

The substances were added to a “registry of intentions” for SVHC status. ECHA spokesman Mikko Väänänen told BNA that their status as SVHCs would probably be confirmed by the European Commission, the EU’s executive arm, by the end of August, and a public consultation would open on Sept. 3.

Adding substances to the registry of intentions is a preliminary stage in the process of ...