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EU: REACH - Public consultation for the 34th update of Candidate List was launched

September 2025 - Electrical and electronics, hardlines, softlines, toys and children's products

On 1 September 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) launched a public consultation for the 34^th update of the REACH Candidate List¹. The public consultation will end on 16 October 2025.

ECHA is proposing the addition of 3 new substances to the Candidate List as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs). In addition to this, ECHA previously held an ad hoc public consultation (July–August 2025) to identify 1,1'-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis[pentabromobenzene] (DBDPE) as SVHC².

If the Member State Committee unanimously agree on these proposals, both the 3 new substances and DBDPE, the Candidate List will expand from the current 250 SVHCs to 254 by December 2025 or January 2026.

Table A gives the substance names, identification numbers (CAS and EC), the reason(s) for proposing and their potential application(s).

Table A. SVHCs to be included in the Candidate List under this public consultation

Substance Name	CAS Number (EC Number)	Reason for proposing	Potential Application
4,4'-[2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethylidene]diphenol (BPAF, Bisphenol AF) and its salts	- (-)	Toxic for reproduction (Article 57c)	Used in manufacture of rubber production; Used as reactive process regulator in polymer materials; Used in production of fluoroelastomer articles.
4,4'-methylenediphenol (BPF, Bisphenol F)	620-92-8 (210-658-2)	Toxic for reproduction (Article 57c)	Used as substitute for other bisphenols in many applications such as in polymers/plastics; Used in lacquers, varnishes, liners, coatings, adhesives, water pipes and dental sealants; Used in thermal paper.
n-hexane	110-54-3 (203-777-6)	Specific target organ toxicity after repeated exposure (Article 57(f) - human health)	Used in polishes and wax blends; Used in perfumes and fragrances; Used in cosmetics and personal care products.

Substance Name

CAS Number (EC Number)

Reason for proposing

Potential Application

4,4'-[2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethylidene]diphenol (BPAF, Bisphenol AF) and its salts

- (-)

Toxic for reproduction (Article 57c)

Used in manufacture of rubber production;
Used as reactive process regulator in polymer materials;
Used in production of fluoroelastomer articles.

4,4'-methylenediphenol (BPF, Bisphenol F)

620-92-8 (210-658-2)

Toxic for reproduction (Article 57c)

Used as substitute for other bisphenols in many applications such as in polymers/plastics;
Used in lacquers, varnishes, liners, coatings, adhesives, water pipes and dental sealants;
Used in thermal paper.

n-hexane

110-54-3 (203-777-6)

Specific target organ toxicity after repeated exposure (Article 57(f) - human health)

Used in polishes and wax blends;
Used in perfumes and fragrances;
Used in cosmetics and personal care products.

References:

[1] The public consultation webpage

[2] TÜV SÜD newsletter - EU: REACH – Public consultation launched on DBDPE as SVHC

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