What is SVHC? How to Handle SVHC Testing for Synthetic Leather?

With growing global emphasis on environmental protection and human health, SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) testing has become increasingly critical across industries. For many manufacturers, understanding the update cycle of the SVHC list and compliance requirements for relevant industries is essential. Today, the editor from Huabiao Testing explains what SVHC entails and how to handle SVHC testing for synthetic leather.

What is SVHC?

SVHC (Substances of Very High Concern) refers to a category of chemical substances defined under the EU’s REACH Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006), which are subject to strict regulation due to their potential severe impacts on human health or the environment. These substances may be carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic to reproduction, persistent, bioaccumulative, or otherwise harmful. The SVHC list, maintained and periodically updated by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), contained 247 substances as of May 2025.

How to Handle SVHC Testing for Synthetic Leather?

SVHC testing ensures that synthetic leather products comply with REACH regulations by verifying that they do not contain SVHCs above the threshold of 0.1% (w/w). Below is the detailed process for conducting SVHC testing for synthetic leather:

1. Confirm Applicability

• If any SVHC exceeds 0.1% (w/w), notification to ECHA and disclosure to customers are mandatory.

• If the total SVHC content exceeds 0.1% (w/w) and the annual export to the EU exceeds 1 ton, registration with ECHA is required.

• Product Scope:
  Synthetic leather (e.g., PU leather, PVC leather) used in clothing, footwear, bags, furniture, or other applications must undergo SVHC testing if intended for the EU market.
  For products aimed at children (aged 12 and under), additional compliance with CPSIA (lead and phthalate limits) and LHAMA (for art materials, if applicable) is required.

• Compliance Requirements:

2. Select an Accredited Laboratory
   Choose a reputable testing agency, such as Ningbo Huabiao Testing Co., Ltd., which offers:

• Expertise in SVHC testing for synthetic leather.

• Advanced equipment, such as gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), for detecting SVHCs like phthalates, azo dyes, or heavy metals.

• Compliance with EU REACH requirements and international standards.

3. Sample Preparation
   Submit representative samples of the synthetic leather, including all components (e.g., base material, coatings, additives), along with technical documentation:

• Product specifications (e.g., material composition, intended use).

• Bill of Materials (BOM) detailing all substances used.

• Production batch information.

4. Laboratory Testing
   The laboratory conducts tests to identify and quantify the presence of SVHCs listed by ECHA. Common tests include:

• Chemical Analysis: Screening for substances like phthalates (e.g., DEHP, DBP), azo dyes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and heavy metals (e.g., cadmium, lead).

• Migration Testing: Assessing whether SVHCs leach out under simulated use conditions.

• Testing typically takes 5–15 working days, depending on the complexity of the material and the number of substances tested.

5. Results Review
   The laboratory issues a test report indicating whether SVHCs are present and their concentrations.

• If SVHCs are below 0.1% (w/w), the product is compliant, and a compliance report is issued.

• If SVHCs exceed 0.1% (w/w), the manufacturer must reformulate the material (e.g., replace hazardous substances) and retest.

6. Compliance Documentation

• Prepare a Declaration of Conformity (DoC) confirming compliance with REACH regulations.

• If required, notify ECHA and provide supply chain disclosures for SVHCs exceeding the threshold.

• Maintain records of test reports and technical documentation for at least 10 years, as required by REACH.

7. Ongoing Compliance
   Regularly monitor updates to the SVHC list (updated biannually by ECHA) and retest products if materials or regulations change to ensure continued compliance.

Recommended Testing Agency

Ningbo Huabiao Testing Co., Ltd. is a leading third-party testing agency with extensive experience in SVHC testing for synthetic leather. Key advantages include:

• Accreditation: CMA/CNAS qualifications, ensuring compliance with EU standards.

• Expertise: Familiarity with REACH requirements for synthetic leather used in various applications.

• Comprehensive Services: From sample testing to compliance documentation and regulatory guidance.

• Global Credibility: Test reports recognized internationally, supporting market access.

Huabiao Testing, with its experienced technical team and advanced testing equipment, provides comprehensive SVHC testing solutions for synthetic leather. Accredited with CMA/CNAS qualifications, our test data is accurate and reliable, and our test reports carry international credibility. We help clients manage risks, meet market requirements, and ensure their products succeed globally.