SVHC test, substances of very high concern

The SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) test detects and quantifies hazardous substances listed in the SVHC list published by the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) .
These compounds are identified as posing serious risks to human health or the environment , particularly due to their carcinogenic, mutagenic, reprotoxic (CMR) , persistent , bioaccumulative , or endocrine-disrupting properties .

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 the regulatory compliance of their materials, articles and components.

Analytical methods used

The analyses are carried out according to the chemical nature of the substances being 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 : determination of prohibited dyes, brighteners or 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.

Matrices involved

SVHC analysis covers 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 requirements.

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 is part of a regulatory compliance and supply chain management . It allows you to:

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

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

Related analyses

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

• The measurement 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.
• Validating the permeability of packaging to guarantee the barrier effectiveness of materials.

YesWeLab's 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 , track the progress of your tests and receive your complete reports online.