SVHC test, substances of very high concern

The SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) test is used to detect and quantify hazardous substances listed in the SVHC list published by ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) .
These compounds are identified as posing serious risks to human health or the environment , in particular due to their carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic for reproduction (CMR) , persistent , bioaccumulative or endocrine disrupting .

This test is part of the REACH regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 , which requires manufacturers and importers to:

• To identify the presence of SVHC substances in their products (>0.1% mass/mass).
• To inform users and consumers in the event of detection.
• To ensure regulatory compliance of their materials, articles and components.

Analytical methods used

The analyses are carried out according to the chemical nature of the substances sought:

• LC-MS / LC-MS/MS : detection of organic compounds such as phthalates, bisphenols, alkylphenols, etc.
• GC-MS (gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry) : analysis of solvents, plasticizers and volatile or semi-volatile compounds.
• HPLC-DAD : dosage of dyes, brighteners or prohibited aromatic substances.
• ICP-MS / ICP-OES : determination of heavy metals (lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, hexavalent chromium).

The results are compared to REACH regulatory limit values ​​and can be used in SCIP declarations required by ECHA.

Affected matrices

SVHC analysis concerns a wide variety of industrial matrices:

• Polymer and plastic materials , including PVC, PE, PET, PU.
• Electronic components and metal parts.
• Coatings, paints, varnishes, adhesives and inks.
• Cosmetics and packaging in contact with finished products.
• Imported finished products subject to REACH and RoHS obligations.

This study is essential to guarantee the chemical traceability and safety of materials placed on the European market .

Industrial and regulatory applications

The SVHC test regulatory compliance and supply chain management approach . It allows you to:

• Ensure REACH compliance for marketing on the European market.
• Anticipate regulatory audits or customs controls.
• Strengthen supply chain transparency to customers.
• Prevent environmental and health risks associated with the use of hazardous substances.
• Meet brand requirements for eco-design and sustainability.

SVHC analyses are often coupled with complementary tests such as heavy metal detection , phthalate detection or bisphenol assay , in order to obtain a complete chemical compliance profile.

Related analyses

To complete the SVHC test, it is recommended to perform:

• The determination of bisphenol A and bisphenols F and S to assess the safety of plastics.
• The dosage of BFDGE and BADGE in epoxy coatings and resins.
• The study of chemical corrosion to assess the resistance of materials exposed to aggressive environments.
• Validation of packaging permeability to guarantee the barrier effectiveness of materials.

YesWeLab expertise

YesWeLab collaborates with a network of ISO 17025 and COFRAC accredited laboratories , experts in regulatory chemical analyses .

Thanks to the YesWeLab platform , you can centralize your analysis requests , monitor the progress of your tests and receive your complete reports online.