The update of the Candidate List of substances of very high concern continues to represent one of the main factors that can determine the obligation to revise safety data sheets. On February 4, 2026, ECHA added two new substances to the list, bringing the total to 253 entries. The new inclusions include n-hexane and bisphenol AF and its salts.
The inclusion of a substance in the Candidate List does not constitute mere information of general regulatory interest. On the contrary, it is an event with immediate consequences for companies involved in the supply of substances and mixtures. ECHA reaffirmed that EU and EEA suppliers of Candidate List substances, on their own or in mixtures, are required to update the safety data sheet sent to their customers.
For companies, the main difficulty is not so much understanding the abstract obligation, but rather having tools and procedures capable of timely linking the update of the Candidate List to their product portfolio. In the absence of effective monitoring, the risk is that the regulatory information remains misaligned with the operational documentation actually used in the supply chain.
The update of the Candidate List therefore has a value that goes beyond the single fulfillment. It highlights the need for dynamic management of SDS, capable of integrating not only changes internal to the products but also external regulatory developments that influence their information regime.
In an increasingly interconnected system, the timeliness in adapting the sheets is not only a matter of compliance but also of reliability towards customers, professional users, and supply chain partners.
