Geneva (July 29, 2025) – SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has issued SafeGuardS 103.25 to inform stakeholders that the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has launched a public consultation on the proposal to identify one new substance as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) under the EU REACH Regulation.
Announced in June 2025, the 45-day consultation invites comments from stakeholders until August 11, 2025. If the substance is approved, the Candidate List will increase from 250 to 251 entries, further expanding the scope of compliance obligations for companies placing products on the EU/EEA markets.
The substance under consideration is 1,1′-(ethane-1,2-diyl)-bis[pentabromobenzene] (EC 284-366-9; CAS 84852-53-9), also known as decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), a flame retardant commonly used in a wide range of applications, including:
– Adhesives, sealants, coatings and inks
– Wire and cable components in the automotive sector
– Construction foams and wood-plastic composites
– Textile back-coatings
– Thermoplastics used in electronics, building materials and automotive parts
DBDPE has been proposed for inclusion due to its classification as very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB), raising environmental concerns.
If added to the Candidate List, companies will face new legal responsibilities, including supply chain communication, updating safety data sheets and notifying either ECHA or the SCIP database when thresholds are exceeded in articles.
SGS publishes SafeGuardS to help industry stakeholders stay informed about regulatory developments. SafeGuardS 103.25 summarizes the proposed SVHC and its applications, encouraging companies to assess potential impacts on their products and supply chains.
Stakeholders are advised to review the original SafeGuardS 103.25 for more information.
SGS Chemical Testing
SGS offers a comprehensive range of testing services to help manufacturers and suppliers ensure their products are safe and comply with national and international regulations concerning harmful chemicals. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS chemical testing services.
SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full ECHA Consults Over One Substance as a SVHC SafeGuardS.
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For further information contact:
Dr. Hingwo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: +852 2774 7420
Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines
LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
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