News Details

On 24 February 2026, the UK government published a new policy paper outlining its updated approach to the UK REACH Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs). This new strategy replaces the interim principles adopted following the UK’s exit from the EU and signals a clear shift towards closer alignment with the EU Candidate List.

The change implements commitment 40 of Defra’s 2025 Environmental Improvement Plan, which stated that the UK would draw more extensively on regulatory decision-making in other jurisdictions when identifying and managing high-concern chemicals. The updated SVHC strategy now gives practical effect to that commitment.

Greater Alignment with the EU

A key element of the new approach is the commitment to systematically review substances added to the EU Candidate List since 1 January 2021, adding them to the UK list where appropriate.

In practice, this means:

• Substances newly identified as SVHCs in the EU will be assessed for inclusion in the UK Candidate List.
• The UK intends to draw more extensively on regulatory decision-making in other jurisdictions.
• Regulatory divergence between the UK and EU is expected to decrease.

The government states that this approach should enable the faster application of new protections and provide greater certainty for industry operating in both markets.

Faster Identification and Regulatory Certainty

Under the revised strategy, the UK aims to streamline the identification process for SVHCs. By leveraging existing hazard assessments and regulatory work conducted elsewhere, the authorities intend to accelerate decision-making while maintaining UK autonomy.

For businesses, this may result in:

• More predictable alignment between the EU and UK Candidate Lists.
• Reduced trade friction for companies placing substances and articles on both markets.
• Earlier signalling of substances that may be prioritised for further regulatory control.

At the same time, inclusion on the Candidate List continues to trigger supply chain communication obligations under UK REACH and may precede future consideration for authorisation (Annex 14).

Continued Ability to Propose UK-Specific SVHCs

Importantly, the new approach does not remove the UK’s ability to act independently. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) retains the power, under Article 59 of UK REACH to prepare dossiers and propose UK-specific SVHCs where necessary.

This preserves regulatory autonomy while embedding a stronger presumption of alignment.

A Notable Post-Brexit Policy Shift

Since the end of the transition period, the UK REACH Candidate List initially mirrored the EU list as it stood on 31 December 2020. Subsequent additions in the EU were subject to case-by-case consideration under interim principles.

The 24 February 2026 policy paper represents a significant development in post-Brexit chemicals policy. It signals a more structured and proactive approach to alignment, balancing independent decision-making with practical considerations for trade and compliance.

Further updates are expected as the UK reviews EU SVHC additions made since 2021 and begins to implement the new approach in practice.