REACH Annex XIV authorisation
Prior administrative procedure under Articles 56-64 REACH to use substances from Annex XIV. Without individual authorisation from the Commission, the substance cannot be used in the EU market after its sunset date.
Context
REACH Annex XIV authorisation is the prior administrative procedure under Arts. 56-64 to use substances included in Annex XIV. Without individual authorisation from the European Commission, the substance cannot be used in the EU market after its sunset date.
Regulatory origin
Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 Title VII (Arts. 56-64) and Annex XIV. Individual procedure per use, valid for 4-12 years and renewable.
Annex XIV substances relevant to textiles
Phthalate plasticisers (DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP) · use in PVC prints.
Chromium trioxide CrO3 · traditional leather tanning.
Hexabromocyclododecane HBCDD · polyurethane flame retardant.
Nonylphenol ethoxylate · textile wetting agents.
Short-chain chlorinated paraffins SCCP.
Timeline
REACH enters into force
Authorisation mechanism operational.
Annex XIV updated
ECHA prioritises SVHC for inclusion in Annex XIV with an individual sunset date.
Over 60 substances
Annex XIV in force contains more than 60 substances with a sunset date.
Applied case
A textile brand with a chrome-tanned leather footwear line assesses its exposure to Annex XIV CrO3.
Verifies whether its chrome-tanned leather supplier holds an individual CrO3 authorisation for tanning use.
If the supplier is not authorised: requires, from the sunset date, substitution with vegetable-tanned or chromium-free leather.
Estimated substitution cost: 12-15 percent increase in the cost of leather · partially passed on to the retail price.
Reputational benefit: premium communication "chromium-free leather" aligned with the conscious-consumer trend.
Common mistakes
Not all SVHC enter Annex XIV.
The move from the Candidate List to Annex XIV requires a prioritisation delegated act. ECHA proposes, the Commission decides. Of >250 substances on the Candidate List, only ~60 are currently in Annex XIV. Priorities are based on volume of use, risk, available alternatives and the possibility of closing the loop.
Sunset date is not the same as latest application date.
Latest application date: the date until which authorisation CAN be applied for (always 18 months before sunset). Sunset date: the date from which use is prohibited without authorisation granted. After sunset, only AUTHORISED uses may continue; new applications are no longer accepted.
Imported articles with the substance included may continue to enter.
REACH authorisation applies to the use of the substance (manufacture, formulation). Complete articles (e.g. a tent with HBCDD applied in a third country before sunset) may continue to be marketed provided they comply with other restrictions (Annex XVII) and the substance is already incorporated into the article.
Do not confuse REACH Authorisation with CSDDD due diligence.
Frequently asked questions
What is REACH Annex XIV authorisation?
A prior administrative procedure under the REACH Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 Art. 56-64 (Title VII) to use substances included in Annex XIV (the list of substances subject to authorisation). Without individual authorisation from the European Commission (a decision per specific use), the substance CANNOT be used in the EU market after its sunset date. The procedure is valid for 4-12 years and renewable.
How many substances are in REACH Annex XIV?
In 2026 ~60 substances are in REACH Annex XIV. Each entry defines (i) latest application date — the deadline to submit an authorisation application, (ii) sunset date — the date from which the substance can NO longer be used without authorisation, (iii) exempt uses where applicable (e.g. use in scientific research). The list is updated via a Commission Regulation in accordance with Art. 58 REACH.
Which Annex XIV substances are relevant to textiles?
Certain phthalate plasticisers (DEHP, BBP, DBP, DIBP — use in PVC prints), chromium trioxide CrO3 (traditional leather tanning), hexabromocyclododecane HBCDD (polyurethane flame retardant), nonylphenol ethoxylate (wetting agents), short-chain chlorinated paraffins SCCP. For textiles, most restricted uses already coexist in Annex XVII (the direct restriction regime) — a common regulatory overlap.
How much does it cost to apply for REACH authorisation?
Approximately EUR 150,000-500,000 per individual application: (i) Chemical Safety Report CSR + REACH Annex I, (ii) Socio-Economic Analysis SEA in accordance with REACH Annex XVI, (iii) Analysis of Alternatives (substitution analysis), (iv) ECHA fee under Reg. (EU) 254/2013 (scale EUR 50-200K), (v) specialist consultancy fees. This is why many companies opt to substitute the substance rather than apply for individual authorisation.
What happens if I buy an imported article that contains an Annex XIV substance?
Authorisation applies to the USE of the substance (manufacture in the EU) under Art. 56 REACH. Imported articles with the substance already incorporated before its application in the EU do NOT require authorisation as well. BUT: articles on the EU market may be subject to Annex XVII (direct restrictions) in parallel, or be prohibited by substance as an SVHC on the Candidate List. Causal chain: identified SVHC → Candidate List → Annex XIV (authorisation) or Annex XVII (restriction).
Fuentes oficiales
- European Parliament and Council · OJEU L 39630 dic 2006 + actualizacionesStandard in force
- European Chemicals Agency2026Updated official list
- European Chemicals Agency2024Procedural guidance
