On 4 February 2026, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) updated the REACH Candidate List by adding two new substances of very high concern (SVHCs). This list identifies chemicals that may pose serious risks to human health or the environment and are therefore subject to increased regulatory scrutiny across the EU.
The two substances added were n-Hexane and BPAF (4,4’-[2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethylidene]diphenol) and its salts. n-Hexane is a commonly used industrial solvent, particularly in manufacturing and cleaning applications, but it is associated with long-term health risks, especially neurotoxicity from repeated exposure. BPAF is a fluorinated bisphenol, chemically related to BPA, and has been identified for endocrine-disrupting properties. Because of these hazardous characteristics, both substances now fall under stricter REACH communication and transparency requirements.
Their inclusion on the Candidate List does not immediately ban their use, but it creates legal obligations for companies. If either substance is present in articles above 0.1% weight by weight, suppliers must inform customers and downstream users. Companies may also need to submit notifications to the EU’s SCIP database. In addition, the listing increases the likelihood that these substances could later move to the Authorisation List (Annex XIV), which would mean companies would need formal approval to continue using them in the EU.
In practical terms, the February 2026 update means manufacturers, importers, and distributors need to review material declarations, update compliance documentation, and reassess supply chain exposure. For sectors such as electronics, plastics, coatings, adhesives, and solvents, this type of update can have significant implications for product design, sourcing, and regulatory reporting.
Current Number of SVHCs
- Total entries on the Candidate List: 253 substances (some entries cover groups of related chemicals, so the actual count of individual chemicals may be higher).
- This figure includes the two new substances added in February 2026 (n-Hexane and 4,4’-[2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethylidene]diphenol and its salts).
Where to Download the Official List
You can download the most recent REACH SVHC Candidate List directly from the ECHA website, where it’s published and kept up to date in multiple formats (e.g., Excel, PDF):
Official Candidate List download page:
👉 https://echa.europa.eu/candidate-list-table
From that page you can:
- Get the full list of SVHCs with CAS numbers, EC numbers, and reasons for inclusion.
- Download the list in Excel or PDF format for use in compliance checks or supply-chain screening.
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REACH 4 February 2026 Candidate Update
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ECHA Publishes February 2026 REACH SVHC Update: Two New Substances Added
