Is the Candidate List the same as the SVHC list?

In practice, yes. People often use SVHC list and Candidate List to refer to the same ECHA publication surface for substances of very high concern.

Why does SVHC status matter?

SVHC status matters because it affects article communication, screening, SCIP-related workflows, and the level of scrutiny given to a substance in procurement and product-compliance work.

SVHC explainer

What is a substance of very high concern?

Q: What is a substance of very high concern?

A substance of very high concern, often shortened to SVHC, is a substance placed on the Candidate List because of hazard or legal criteria that create higher compliance and communication pressure in the EU.

A substance of very high concern usually means a chemical on the ECHA Candidate List. Start here if the user needs the plain-language answer before moving into the list, SCIP duties, or a specific substance page.

Plain-language answer

SVHC is a watchlist signal, not the end of the workflow

Meaning

SVHC tells teams to raise the level of screening

It is the trigger for closer review, not a full answer by itself, which is why list pages and substance pages still matter.

List route

Open the current Candidate List rows

Use the list page when the next question is “which substances are on it right now?”

Workflow route

Open the SCIP guide for article implications

Use this when the definition question turns into communication or notification work.

In practice

How teams usually use SVHC status

Definition

SVHC is the watchlist-level trigger people search first

Most searchers are trying to confirm whether a substance appears on the Candidate List and whether it is subject to higher compliance scrutiny.

Articles

Candidate List status can change article and communication workflows

That is why SVHC queries often sit right next to article, SCIP, and procurement review questions.

Browse list

Open the current SVHC list in chem-data

Use the list page when the next question is which substances are currently included and how they map to chemical routes.

Common reasons

Imported rationale behind current Candidate List rows

88 rows

Toxic for reproduction (Article 57c) Endocrine disrupting properties (Article 57(f) - environment) Endocrine disrupting properties (Article 57(f) - human health)

Open the grouped reason page to see which imported substances currently carry this rationale.

What is a substance of very high concern?

SVHC is a watchlist signal, not the end of the workflow

SVHC tells teams to raise the level of screening

Open the current Candidate List rows

Open the SCIP guide for article implications

How teams usually use SVHC status

SVHC is the watchlist-level trigger people search first

Candidate List status can change article and communication workflows

Open the current SVHC list in chem-data

Imported rationale behind current Candidate List rows

Toxic for reproduction (Article 57c)

Carcinogenic (Article 57a)

vPvB (Article 57e)

No positive Candidate List entry captured in the current imported source set

Carcinogenic (Article 57a) Toxic for reproduction (Article 57c)

PBT (Article 57d) vPvB (Article 57e)

Endocrine disrupting properties (Article 57(f) - environment)

PBT (Article 57d)

Carcinogenic (Article 57a) Mutagenic (Article 57b)

Respiratory sensitising properties (Article 57(f) - human health)

Toxic for reproduction (Article 57c) PBT (Article 57d)

Toxic for reproduction (Article 57c) Endocrine disrupting properties (Article 57(f) - environment) Endocrine disrupting properties (Article 57(f) - human health)