The European Union expands the list of substances of very high concern: DBDPE added as a new SVHC

The recent classification of decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) (CAS 84852-53-9) as a substance of very high concern (SVHC) marks a new milestone in European regulatory policy. This decision may have significant implications for companies that handle it in their processes or products.

The European Union continues to strengthen its regulatory framework for chemical substances. DBDPE has been officially recognised as a substance of very high concern due to its vPvB properties (very persistent and very bioaccumulative), in accordance with Article 57(e) of the REACH Regulation. Its inclusion in the SVHC Candidate List was published by ECHA on 5 November 2025, bringing the total number of entries to 251.

This step represents an important advance in the protection of human health and the environment. DBDPE is widely used as a brominated flame retardant in plastics, textiles and electronic components, which means its classification as an SVHC may have significant implications for manufacturers, importers and downstream users across the supply chain.

What does this inclusion mean?

As of 5 November 2025, the date on which DBDPE was officially added to the Candidate List of SVHCs, companies using it in concentrations above 0.1% in articles or mixtures must comply with a series of legal obligations under the REACH Regulation. These include:

• Providing information to customers and consumers about the presence of the substance and its safe use.
• Notifying ECHA if the article contains DBDPE in quantities exceeding one tonne per year.
• Assessing alternatives and considering substitution in industrial processes.
• Updating safety data sheets by suppliers in the European Union and the European Economic Area.
• Notifying ECHA, in accordance with the Waste Framework Directive, if articles contain DBDPE above 0.1% by weight. This information is published in the SCIP database on substances of concern in products.

In addition, this measure may anticipate future restrictions or bans, so companies are advised to review their inventories and assess the regulatory impact on their products.

For more information on the obligations related to SVHCs in articles, please refer to our link: What is an SVHC? At Siam, we keep Chemeter’s database continuously updated, including the latest regulatory status of substances such as DBDPE.