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PBT / vPvB

Also: PBT substance · vPvB substance

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Definition

PBT substances are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic; vPvB substances are very persistent and very bioaccumulative. Both need a safety data sheet.

Art. 31(1) and Annex XIII REACH

Legal term: persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT); very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB)

Explained

PBT stands for persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic; vPvB for very persistent and very bioaccumulative. Such substances hardly break down in the environment and build up in living organisms. The criteria are set out in Annex XIII of REACH. A PBT or vPvB substance needs a safety data sheet even when it is not classified as hazardous under CLP (Art. 31(1) REACH). In practice this means a substance without a hazard pictogram can still require a data sheet. Section 12 of the safety data sheet reports the result of the PBT and vPvB assessment.

See also: Candidate List · Safety data sheet · REACH

Sources

As of 11 November 2026. The legal text in force prevails. This entry is not legal advice.