The terms SVHC and SoC are appearing increasingly frequently in requirement specifications, supplier dialogues and sustainability reporting. At the same time, there is often uncertainty about what they actually mean and what concrete obligations they entail.
Understanding the difference between SVHC and SoC is not just about legal definitions. It is about maintaining control over risks, supply chains and future regulatory developments.
In this article, we explain what these terms mean, how they are connected and what they imply in practice.
What are SVHCs?
SVHC stands for Substances of Very High Concern and is defined in the REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006. These are substances with particularly serious health or environmental properties, such as carcinogenic, reprotoxic, persistent or bioaccumulative substances. Endocrine-disrupting substances may also be identified as SVHCs.
Examples of SVHC substances
- CMR substances (carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction)
- PBT substances (persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic)
- vPvB substances (very persistent and very bioaccumulative)
- Substances with endocrine-disrupting properties
- Substances with equivalent levels of concern
What does it mean when a substance is on the Candidate List?
When a substance is classified as an SVHC, it is added to the Candidate List published by European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Being included on this list does not constitute an immediate ban, but it is a clear regulatory signal. The substance is considered sufficiently problematic that it may, over time, become subject to authorisation or further restrictions.
For companies, this means more than just a listing in a register. If a substance is present in an article above 0.1% by weight, information obligations towards customers and consumers apply, and in many cases there is also a requirement to notify the SCIP database under the EU Waste Framework Directive.
It is therefore a legally defined category with tangible business implications.
What are SoCs (Substances of Concern)?
SoC stands for Substances of Concern. Unlike SVHCs, SoC is not a uniformly defined legal category under the REACH Regulation.
The term is used, for example, in sustainability reporting, product legislation and circular economy contexts. It is often applied to describe substances that raise concern, even if they have not yet been formally identified as SVHCs. This may include substances with suspected endocrine-disrupting properties, substances under regulatory scrutiny, or substances subject to restrictions.
In practice, SoC functions as an umbrella term. All SVHCs can be considered SoCs, but not all SoCs are SVHCs. The key difference lies primarily in their legal status.
In practice, SoCs may include:
- SVHC substances
- Substances subject to restrictions
- Substances under regulatory scrutiny
- Substances with suspected hazardous properties
The difference between SVHC and SoC
The key difference lies in their legal status. SVHC is clearly defined under the REACH Regulation and automatically entails specific obligations, particularly in relation to articles and information requirements.
SoC, on the other hand, is a broader term used in policy and requirement contexts and may encompass a wider range of substances.
This means that companies working solely in a reactive way based on the Candidate List risk falling behind. The concept of SoC often signals the direction in which legislation is evolving.
When does it affect your business?
For many organisations, this becomes relevant in connection with articles. If a substance on the Candidate List is present above 0.1% by weight, information obligations arise within the supply chain. Consumers have the right to request information and receive a response within 45 days. In addition, notification to the SCIP database under the EU Waste Framework Directive may be required.
Beyond this, a substance may later be included in Annex XIV of the REACH Regulation and become subject to authorisation, meaning that its use is only permitted following specific approval. Alternatively, the substance may be subject to restrictions under Annex XVII.
It is therefore essential not to view the Candidate List as a static list, but rather as a dynamic signal of regulatory development.
Legislation and regulatory frameworks in interplay
The central piece of legislation is the REACH Regulation, which governs identification, the Candidate List, information requirements, as well as authorisation and restrictions.
The CLP Regulation regulates the classification and labelling of substances and mixtures. Classification under CLP can serve as an important basis for assessments under REACH, but the regulatory processes for these substances are carried out under REACH.
The SCIP requirement is based on the EU Waste Framework Directive and is closely linked to the Candidate List.
Together, these regulatory frameworks form a coherent system for the identification, communication and, in some cases, restriction of hazardous substances.
Working systematically with SVHC and SoC
An effective approach starts with visibility. The organisation needs to know which chemical products and articles are in use and which substances they contain. This requires access to up-to-date Safety Data Sheets (SDS), supplier information and continuous monitoring of the Candidate List.
However, a mature approach does not stop there. It also involves integrating supplier requirements, working actively with substitution and tracking regulatory trends. Only reacting once a substance has already been identified often leads to increased costs, production disruptions or rapid adjustments.
A more proactive approach means also monitoring broader SoC categories and analysing which substances are likely to be regulated in the future. Here, digital systems and continuous regulatory monitoring become essential for making well-informed decisions.
As the Candidate List is updated continuously, manual monitoring is often resource-intensive. Many organisations therefore choose to use digital system support, such as iChemistry chemical management system, to ensure that changes are captured in time and that information obligations can be properly documented.
Tips for a structured approach:
- Integrate SVHC assessments into your procurement processes
- Maintain an active dialogue with your suppliers
- Work proactively with substitution
- Monitor regulatory trends
Summary
SVHC is a legally defined category of particularly hazardous substances under the REACH Regulation, with clear information and reporting requirements. SoC is a broader term used across various regulatory and policy-related contexts and may include more substances than those formally identified.
For organisations, this means that working with these substances is not only about regulatory compliance, but also about risk management, supply chain control and future-proofing.
Understanding the difference is a first step towards a more structured and proactive approach to chemical management.
Frequently asked questions about SVHC and SoC
Are all SVHCs banned?
No. The inclusion of a substance on the Candidate List under the REACH Regulation does not mean an automatic ban. However, the substance may later become subject to authorisation or restriction. In the meantime, information obligations apply if the substance is present in articles above 0.1% by weight.
What is the Candidate List?
The Candidate List is a list of substances of very high concern published and updated by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The list is typically updated twice a year and triggers information requirements within the supply chain.
What does the 0.1% threshold mean?
If an SVHC is present in an article above 0.1% by weight, the supplier must inform the recipient of the article. Consumers also have the right to request information and receive a response within 45 days. In many cases, notification to the SCIP database under the EU Waste Framework Directive is also required.
Is SoC the same as SVHC?
No. SVHC is a legally defined category under the REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, whereas SoC is a broader term that can include a wider range of substances of concern. All SVHCs can be considered SoCs, but not all SoCs are formally classified as SVHCs.
How often is the SVHC list updated?
The Candidate List is typically updated twice a year, although additional updates may occur. It is therefore important to monitor developments regularly or use digital system support that automatically tracks changes.
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