On January 12, 2017, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published the new list of substances of very high concern for authorization (“SVHC Candidate List”). In addition to three other substances, bisphenol A (CAS 80-05-7) has also been included.

Bisphenol A is contained in the thermochromic pigments presently used by Printcolor at a mass fraction considerably higher than 0.1 %.

What does it mean when raw materials are listed in the SVHC Candidate List?

The SVHC (“substances of very high concern”) Candidate List is published every six months by the ECHA (in accordance with Article 59(10) of the REACH Regulation). It includes substances under review for inclusion in the list of substances subject to authorization (REACH Regulation 1907/2006, Annex XIV).

What does it mean for us and our customers if we use a raw material that is on the Candidate List?

If a product contains the raw material at a concentration of more than 0.1 % by mass (weight for weight), the supplier of the product must provide sufficient information for safe use by the customer. In our case, the customers are commercial and professional users and dealers, not consumers. At least the name of the substance in question must be provided.

Consumers may request similar information. The supplier of the product must provide this information free of charge within 45 days.

Conclusion

We have decided not to sell any products containing raw materials listed on the SVHC Candidate List. For this reason, the thermochromic inks from Printcolor are produced without the use of bisphenol A. This does not include products for the security sector, which will still be available containing BPA.