Contaminants: European Chemicals Agency conclusions support PFAS restriction

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published two assessments on PFAS restrictions. The Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) published its final opinion, while the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) published its draft opinion on the topic.

Both support an EU-wide restriction, subject to specific derogations, on the manufacture, placing on the market and use of PFAS.

RAC considers that regulatory measures currently in place are not sufficient to control their emissions and, therefore, further EU-wide regulatory action is needed to control these risks.

SEAC considers that targeted derogations are needed for specific PFAS uses, when this is justified by the available evidence that alternatives are not available as well as by the assessment of costs and benefits, to ensure the restriction remains proportionate. The 60-day consultation on this draft opinion is now open until 25 May 2026.

The final opinion is expected at the end of 2026. Based on this, the Commission will propose a restriction for discussion and vote by EU Member States.

More information at https://echa.europa.eu/-/echa-supports-pfas-restriction-with-targeted-derogations#msdynmkt_trackingcontext=ea6befdb-f267-4945-b004-a27937270100

Contact João Pereira at jpereira@frucom.eu.