EU SVHC Expands Light Stabilizer Regulations - Industry Challenges and Impacts

The EU SVHC regulations have expanded their scope, with multiple plastic light stabilizers being added to the Substances of Very High Concern list. This poses major challenges to the industry. Everlight Chemical provides comprehensive solutions to help businesses smoothly adapt to regulatory changes and achieve product compliance upgrades.

 

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What is SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern)?

 

 

SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) are identified by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) under REACH regulations. These substances primarily exhibit the following characteristics:

 

• CMR substances: Category 1 and 2 substances that are Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or toxic to Reproduction

• PBT/vPvB: Substances that are Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic

• PMT/vPvM: Substances that are Persistent and Mobile

• Endocrine disruptors: Substances that may affect human hormone systems

• Other equivalent concern substances: Scientifically proven substances with similar levels of hazard

 

 

 

To manage risks from high-concern substances within the EU, ECHA conducts bi-annual SVHC list updates through rigorous scientific validation and public consultation procedures, continuously adding chemical substances that pose risks to regulation. There are three types of lists for substances of high concern: "Recommendation List," "Candidate List," and "Authorization List." The definitions of these three lists are as follows:

 

 

• Recommendation List: EU member states can individually submit substances of concern to ECHA, which ECHA lists in the "Recommendation List" for public consultation for 45 days, seeking expert opinions.

   

• Candidate List: During the consultation period, if ECHA receives no objections, after 45 days the substance will be added to the "Candidate List" of substances of very high concern. If articles contain substances on the Candidate List at concentrations above 1% (10,000 ppm), relevant safety information must be provided; if the concentration is below 0.1%, no declaration is needed.

   

• Authorization List: Every two years, ECHA reviews substances on the Candidate List and adds those with higher hazard levels to the "Authorization List." Substances added to the Authorization List will be prohibited from use in Europe unless additional authorization has been applied for and approved by ECHA.

 

 

 

 

Six Light Stabilizers Now Under EU Regulatory Scrutiny

 

 

ECHA continues to expand the scope of SVHC regulation, reaching 241 substances as of June 2024. Among these, the regulation of light stabilizer products has received particular attention, especially UV absorbers widely used in polymer material applications. As of the end of 2024, 6 important light stabilizers have been added to the SVHC Candidate List and Authorization List, summarized as follows:

 

• Newly Added to Candidate List: UV326 and UV329 were added in January 2024. These two products are widely used and are common light stabilizers in the plastics industry, significantly impacting the industry.

   

• Already on Authorization List: Four light stabilizers added to the Candidate List in 2014 and 2015: UV328, UV320, UV350, UV327 have all been officially added to the Authorization List in early 2020, with a announced Sunset Date: Starting from November 27, 2023, they cannot be used in the EU without applying for additional authorization.

   

• Special Attention to UV328's Stricter Regulation: The EU plans to strengthen regulation of POPs (Persistent Organic Pollutants), and UV328 has been announced for inclusion in the POP list in February 2024, to be formally implemented in early 2025, imposing stricter regulation with usage concentration not exceeding 1ppm!

 

 

 

 

 

Major Impacts on Manufacturers When Added to SVHC

 

 

When a substance is added to the SVHC list, it creates a series of important impacts on manufacturers, importers, and downstream users:

 

 

• Regulatory Obligations: Companies must strictly comply with EU notification requirements. When product SVHC content exceeds 1% (by weight), companies must notify their supply chain within 45 days, and if annual usage exceeds 1 tonne, special notification to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is required. Additionally, the SCIP database reporting requirements implemented since 2021 have increased the regulatory compliance burden on companies.

   

• Operational Costs: Companies face significant increased pressure. To ensure compliance, companies need to invest substantial resources in substance content testing, while potentially needing to redesign product formulations and develop or find suitable alternative materials. This process is not only time-consuming but may also involve additional expenses for product recertification.

   

• Supply Chain Management: Supply chain management also faces unprecedented challenges. Companies need to comprehensively evaluate and potentially adjust existing supplier structures, often leading to major changes in procurement strategies. Meanwhile, as the supply situation for alternative materials may not be as stable as original materials, companies' inventory management becomes more complex, and product delivery times may be affected.

   

• Market Competition: SVHC regulation directly affects companies' ability to enter the EU market. When products contain SVHC substances, they not only face higher market entry barriers but may also lose some market competitiveness. More importantly, many international brand companies, based on risk management considerations, often require suppliers to switch to non-SVHC substances in advance, making early response to SVHC regulation particularly important.

 

 

 

Everlight Chemical's Green Solutions

 

 

Facing the challenge of multiple common light stabilizers being listed as SVHCs, Everlight Chemical, with over 25 years of polymer anti-aging research and development experience, is dedicated to developing green chemicals, focusing on extending product life and reducing environmentally harmful substances to provide comprehensive SVHC alternative solutions. Our services cover full technical support from evaluation to implementation, helping customers successfully complete product transition.

 

Comprehensive Technical Services

 

We provide product compatibility assessment, formula optimization recommendations, and share complete practical application experience. Through professional laboratory testing capabilities, we provide key data on product basic physical properties and weather resistance, helping customers quickly complete product verification.

 

 

Take Action Now

 

If you are currently using regulated light stabilizers, we recommend early evaluation and transition planning. Everlight Chemical's professional team is ready to help upgrade your products and ensure continued market compliance, empowering you to lead the green transformation and stay ahead in sustainable innovation.