Chemicals agency adds rubber additive to SVHCs list

Helsinki – The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has added dicyclohexyl phthalate (DCHP) to a 'candidate list' of substances very high concern (SVHCs).

DCHP, which is used as a plasticiser in various polymers including chlorinated rubber, was identified as being toxic for reproduction and having endocrine-disrupting properties.

The classification followed a European Commission-backed SVHC identification process, the agency said 27 June.

Once identified as an SVHC, a substance is included in the candidate list, placing immediate obligations for suppliers.

These requirements include supplying a safety data sheet and providing information about safe-use of the product.

Suppliers are also required to notify the ECHA if articles they produce contains an SVHC in quantities above one tonne per producer/importer per year.

They also have to notify ECHA if the substance is present in those articles above a concentration of 0.1% (w/w).

The SVHC 'candidate list' currently includes 191 substances.