European Union advances REACH controls identifying neurotoxic n-hexane SVHCs expanding Candidate List and nanomaterial oversight

On 15 December 2025, European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), highlighted key regulatory outcomes from the December meeting of its Member State Committee, demonstrating continued advancement in the identification and control of substances of concern under the REACH framework. The Committee agreed to identify n-hexane as a substance of very high concern, representing the first neurotoxic substance classified under an equivalent level of concern. In parallel, 4,4?-[2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethylidene]diphenol and its salts were also identified as substances of very high concern through a separate regulatory process. ECHA confirmed that both substances will be added to the Candidate List in February 2026, strengthening regulatory transparency and chemical risk management across the European Union. The Committee further discussed ECHA’s recommendations for priority substances proposed for inclusion in the REACH Authorisation List, as well as the draft update of the Community Rolling Action Plan for substance evaluation. In addition, the meeting marked a significant milestone with agreement on the first testing proposal for nanomaterials, requesting additional studies to clarify chemical properties and support robust, science-based regulatory decisions.