ECHA Adds DBDPE (vPvB) to SVHC Candidate List — REACH Obligations & 0.1% Threshold

ECHA Adds Another Hazardous Chemical to Candidate List (SVHC): DBDPE (vPvB) — November 5, 2025

Brief summary: The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) added 1,1'-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis[pentabromobenzene] (DBDPE) to the Candidate List (SVHC). Justification: very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB, Article 57e). DBDPE is used as a flame retardant in various sectors. Candidate List entries increased to 251 (the number of affected chemicals is higher as some are group entries). This addition will also support potential restriction work on brominated flame retardants.

Substance Identity (DBDPE)

Field | Information

------|------------

Substance name | 1,1'-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis[pentabromobenzene] (DBDPE)

EC No | 284-366-9

CAS No | 84852-53-9

Justification | vPvB – very persistent and very bioaccumulative (REACH Article 57e)

Typical uses | Flame retardant (various sectors)

Addition date | November 5, 2025 (Candidate List)

Note: Substances added to the Candidate List may later be moved to the Authorization List (Annex XIV). In such a case, they cannot be used/sold without authorization.

Who is affected by this update?

• Suppliers of the substance itself in EU/EEA

• Suppliers of mixtures containing DBDPE

• Article/product manufacturers and/or importers (electrical/electronic, plastic, textile/coating, automotive parts, etc.)

• Companies offering products on EU e-commerce/marketplaces (information and safe use obligations apply if products contain SVHCs)

Legal Consequences of Candidate List Entry (REACH & waste legislation)

1) Information obligation at 0.1% (w/w) threshold

If DBDPE concentration in an article exceeds 0.1%:

• Safe use information must be provided to customers and consumers.

• Response to consumer information requests is mandatory within 45 days.

2) SCIP (Waste Framework Directive) notification

Article manufacturers/importers with SVHC above 0.1% in their articles must notify the SCIP database.

3) Notification to ECHA within 6 months (article notification)

Within 6 months from the addition date to the Candidate List, if articles contain SVHC above 0.1% and the total annual tonnage exceeds 1 ton, notification to ECHA is required.

Deadline (for DBDPE): May 5, 2026.

4) SDS updates

EU/EEA suppliers providing a Candidate List substance alone or in a mixture must update the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) they provide to customers (content and classification information appropriate to SVHC status).

5) EU Ecolabel prohibition

Products containing SVHCs cannot receive the EU Ecolabel. This is a critical limitation for brands pursuing sustainability and eco-label strategies.

FAQ – Brief answers

What is DBDPE and why is it SVHC?

DBDPE is a chemical used as a flame retardant; it was added to the Candidate List (SVHC) because it exhibits very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) properties.

What should I do if it's below 0.1% in my article?

Under REACH, mandatory notification may not be required below 0.1%; however, transparency and documentation remain important due to customer requirements, brand policies, contracts, and eco-label goals.

Are SCIP notification and 6-month ECHA notification different?

Yes. SCIP is a database targeting the waste stage under the Waste Framework Directive. ECHA article notification is the Candidate List notification under REACH. Their triggers and data sets differ; in most cases both will be required.

What happens if it moves from Candidate List to Authorization List?

If the substance is added to Annex XIV, it cannot be used without authorization. Starting substitution and alternative material evaluation now reduces risk.