HSE Consults on Adding Three Substances to Authorisation List

The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a consultation on its 2025 draft recommendation to add three Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) to Annex 14 of UK REACH (the Authorisation List). Inclusion in Annex 14 would mean that, after a specified "sunset date," these substances can only be used or placed on the market in Great Britain if a specific authorisation is granted.

Proposed substances 
The three substances recommended for inclusion are all classified as toxic to reproduction under the GB Mandatory Classification and Labelling list:

• DOTE (2-ethylhexyl 10-ethyl-4,4-dioctyl-7-oxo-8-oxa-3,5-dithia-4-stannatetradecanoate) – Primarily used as an organotin heat stabilizer in PVC manufacturing.
• Reaction mass of DOTE and MOTE – A multi-constituent substance also used as a heat stabilizer in plastics and dry PVC blends.
• Tetraethyllead – Historically used as an anti-knock agent in leaded gasoline.

Notably, these substances have already been added to the EU REACH Authorisation List (Annex XIV), with a sunset date of May 1, 2025 for EU operators. This proposal marks a move to align the UK framework with restrictions that are already nearing enforcement across the European Union.

Call for evidence 
In addition to the draft recommendation, the HSE is seeking GB-specific information on two further substances to inform future prioritization:

• Reaction products of 1,3,4-thiadiazolidine-2,5-dithione, formaldehyde and 4-heptylphnol, branched and linear (RP-HP).
• 4,4'-bis(dimethylamino)-4''-(methylamino)trityl alcohol (containing ≥ 0.1% Michler's ketone or Michler's base).

Stakeholders are encouraged to provide data on uses, supply chains, and potential impacts to support the HSE’s final recommendation. Further details on the consultation are available via the HSE bulletin.