It is suggested that DPDBE be designated as vPvB in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006’s Article 57(e).

A request to designate 1,1′-(ethane-1,2-diyl)bis[pentabromobenzene] (also known as DPDBE, CAS No 84852-53-9) as a compound of very high concern (SVHC) was presented by Sweden on June 27, 2025. The proposal report can be found on the ECHA website. Comments must be submitted by August 11, 2025.

DPDBE’s very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) qualities, as stated in Article 57(e) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (EU REACH), are the rationale behind its inclusion as an SVHC. Because of its PBT/vPvB characteristics, DPDBE is regarded as a substitute for decaBDE, which has been on the Candidate List since 2012. DPDBE is a common flame retardant found in textiles, rubber, resin, plastics, and coatings.

The prospect of SVHC inclusion may pose a challenge for global supply chains.

Consequences of inclusion on the SVHC List

A drug is added to the Candidate List for Authorization after being determined to be an SVHC. Suppliers of products with SVHC concentrations more than 0.1% are required by EU REACH Regulations to give downstream the following information:

· Provide SDS to downstream if the concentration of SVHC on its own or in preparations exceeds 0.1%

· Provide safety use instruction to downstream recipient if the concentration of SVHC in products exceeds 0.1%. This equivalent information should be supplied to consumers within 45 days when requested

EU manufacturers, importers or only representative (OR) of SVHC shall notify ECHA if:

· The substance is present in those articles in quantities totalling over one tonne per producer or importer per year;

· The substance is present in those articles above a concentration of 0.1 % weight by weight (w/w).

There are currently 250 entries on the SVHC list, some of which are chemical groupings, increasing the total number of impacted substances.