Policy paper

Approach to the UK REACH candidate list of substances of very high concern

The government's new approach to the UK REACH candidate list of substances of very high concern (SVHC).

• From: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
• Published: 24 February 2026

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Approach to the UK REACH candidate list of substances of very high concern

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This policy paper explains the government’s new approach to UK REACH candidate list of substances of very high concern (SVHC).

From 24 February 2026, the 2021 interim principles that followed the UK’s exit from the EU no longer apply.

The new strategic approach should enable new protections to be applied more quickly, more efficiently, and in a way which is more aligned with our closest trading partners – especially the EU.

This replaces the previous policy statement on this topic, which was published under the 2019 to 2022 Johnson Conservative government.

Published 24 February 2026