Phthalates, short-chained chlorinated paraffins and arsenic compounds are among the nominations that companies and interested parties have been requested to comment on under a consultation of "the hazardous properties of the nominated substances, their use and exposure, and whether any suitable substitutes are available. The consultation runs until August 14th and an official list of the first SVHCs is expected in October.  

Once publicised, companies will have 45 days to respond to consumer requests as to their usage of the substances. Producers, importers and suppliers of articles will be obliged to notify ECHA of usage and concentration levels of any SVHCs.

The publication of 'REACH SIN (substitute it now)'; an independent candidate list from NGOs is due to be published on the 17th September 2008.