U.K. REACH candidate list expanded: What the 15 new SVHCs mean for retailers
This article is provided by BRC Associate Member, UL Solutions.
__________________________
On June 15, 2026, the U.K. Health and Safety Executive (HSE) added 15 substances and substance groups to the U.K. REACH Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs). The update introduces new obligations for suppliers regarding communication of SVHCs in substances, mixtures and articles.
An important observation is that all 15 substances had already been identified as SVHCs and were included on the EU REACH Candidate List by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) between 2021 and 2025 before being adopted under U.K. REACH. All these substances have been added to the Candidate List with reason for inclusion as they are classified as carcinogenic and toxic for reproduction.
While the U.K. and EU REACH regimes are now legally separate, the EU Candidate List remains a valuable early-warning indicator for substances that may subsequently be adopted in Great Britain.
For retailers, the new Candidate List provides an opportunity to identify high-risk product categories, engage suppliers and assess potential chemical compliance risks before they become business challenges.
One of the most common questions retailers ask is, “Which of my products could contain these substances?” The answer often lies within material formulations, coatings, adhesives, dyes, fragrances, batteries, polymers and electronic components that are not immediately visible in finished products.
Why retailers should pay attention
Inclusion on the Candidate List does not automatically prohibit the use of a substance, but it increases scrutiny throughout the supply chain. Retailers may face enhanced supplier disclosure requirements, increased consumer inquiries, updates to Restricted Substance Lists (RSLs), additional testing needs and potential future authorization or restriction measures. Early identification of affected products can help avoid costly reformulation efforts and supply chain disruptions.
Certain obligations apply to U.K. producers and assemblers of articles and U.K. importers as actors in the supply chain placing articles on the market.
Here is a summary of the main obligations related to the presence of SVHCs:
- Communication obligations
If an article (as defined) contains a substance on the Candidate List at a concentration exceeding 0.1% weight by weight (w/w), sufficient information must be provided to the recipient of the article to support safe use. The information shall include, at a minimum, the name of the substance.
If a consumer (member of the general public) makes a request, equivalent information must also be provided.
This information must be provided within 45 days of receipt of the request.
- Notification of substances in articles, mixtures and substances
If a company produces, imports or supplies articles containing substances on the Candidate List, a safety data sheet (SDS) for that substance must be provided.
If a mixture supplied is not classified as hazardous under the GB CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging) Regulation but contains a substance on the Candidate List at a concentration of 0.1% w/w or higher in nongaseous mixtures, an SDS must be provided upon request.
If a substance supplied is listed on the U.K. REACH Candidate List, an SDS for that substance must be provided to the customer.
Product categories retailers should prioritize
Electronics and electrical products
Several newly listed SVHCs are associated with electronics, including Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), brominated flame retardants, photoinitiators and tetraglyme. Reported applications include printed circuit boards, flame-retardant polymer housings, coatings and lithium-ion battery technologies. Products such as smartphones, laptops, chargers, electronic toys, smart devices and power banks may therefore warrant additional scrutiny.
Textiles, apparel and footwear
The textile sector may be affected by substances used in dyeing and finishing processes. Reactive Brown 51 is associated with textile dyes, while N-(hydroxymethyl) acrylamide may be used in specialty textile finishes. Apparel, footwear, home textiles and treated fabrics should be considered for assessment and testing.
Beauty, personal care and fragrance products
Lysmeral has historically been used as a fragrance ingredient and is therefore of particular interest for beauty and home fragrance retailers. Potentially affected products include perfumes, cosmetics, air fresheners, scented candles and other fragranced household products.
DIY, home improvement and decorative products
Several newly listed SVHCs are associated with adhesives, sealants, paints, coatings, Ultra Violet-cured inks and decorative finishes. Examples include Dioctyltin dilaurate (DOTL) compounds, photo initiators and boron-containing additives used in coatings and sealants. DIY products, repair materials, decorative coatings and construction-related articles may therefore require closer supplier due diligence.
Conclusion
For retailers, the challenge is rarely identifying the finished product category. It is understanding which materials and components within complex products may contain SVHCs. A risk-based approach combining supplier engagement, regulatory intelligence and targeted testing can help improve supply chain transparency and focus resources on the highest-risk products.
The addition of 15 new SVHCs to the U.K. REACH Candidate List sends a clear signal: Effective chemical management requires visibility beyond finished products and into the dyes, coatings, adhesives, fragrances, batteries and electronic components used throughout the supply chain.
UL Solutions commands a wide portfolio of chemical and chemical management services to help you stay ahead of a constantly changing regulatory landscape.
Learn more about what we do in our European Retail Center of Excellence and contact katie.ellen.moore@ul.com for more information.
