BRUSSELS – The European Chemicals Agency has proposed 15 new candidate candidate substances of very high concern (SVHC). 
 
The agency issued a release stating a 45-day consultation period would begin today for selection of the next set of candidate substances of very high concern.
 
After the 45-day period, ECHA and the member states will review comments and decide on the final list of candidate SVHCs, which will immediately be reportable under Article 33 of REACH, in addition to the previous list of 15 substances.
 
New additions are expected twice per year, says Design Chain Associates, an environmental consulting firm.
 
For more information, visit http://echa.europa.eu/consultations/authorisation/svhc/svhc_cons_en.asp.

TAIPEI, TAIWAN – HannStar Board and Gold Circuit Electronics (GCE) are expecting an increase in utilization rates for the second half of the year. The jump reflects notebook shipment outlooks recently released, according to the companies.