The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has released a significant update to its ongoing PFAS restriction proposal under the REACH Regulation, aiming to strengthen environmental protections while offering clearer guidance to affected sectors.
Revised Proposal Published
On August 20, 2025, ECHA published the 14th edition of its PFAS restriction proposal. The updated draft expands the scope, introduces new concentration thresholds, and proposes a controlled use option in place of a total ban for certain sectors.
New Sectors Now Covered
The updated proposal extends coverage to eight additional sectors, including:
• Printing
• Sealing and gaskets
• Machinery and industrial parts
• Medical applications (e.g., pharmaceutical excipients, packaging)
• Military and defense uses
• Explosives and propellants
• Technical textiles
• Catalysts and solvents for industrial use
These sectors join the growing list of industries expected to limit PFAS use or demonstrate controlled use under new compliance frameworks.
Controlled Use Option Proposed
In a shift from an outright ban, ECHA is now considering a “controlled use” approach. This would permit PFAS applications where risks are adequately managed and no viable alternatives exist.
Industries likely to benefit include:
• PFAS manufacturing and processing
• Electronics and semiconductors
• Transport and automotive sectors
• Energy (e.g., renewable systems, batteries)
• Sealing systems and gaskets
• Technical or performance textiles
Proposed PFAS Concentration Limits
To facilitate enforcement, the proposal introduces differentiated concentration limits:
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Additionally, if total fluorine in a product exceeds 50 mg F/kg, companies must prove it does not originate from PFAS.
PFAS Evaluation Timeline Confirmed
ECHA has published a clear timeline for the restriction process:
• 2025–2026: The Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) and Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) will finalize their opinions.
• Post-2026: The European Commission, in consultation with EU Member States, will decide on the final restrictions.
Why This Matters?
PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” are resistant to degradation and are linked to long-term health and environmental risks. This proposal is part of the EU’s broader strategy to phase out non-essential uses and reduce exposure.
The updated restriction framework offers a balance between environmental safety and industrial feasibility, emphasizing transparency, sector-specific analysis, and measurable thresholds.
What Businesses Should Do?!
Companies across all affected sectors should:
• Review the updated proposal to assess potential impact
• Identify controlled uses and prepare justification if applicable
• Monitor RAC/SEAC evaluations and Commission decisions in 2026
• Update testing, compliance, and reporting systems in anticipation of final rulemaking
References:
i. ECHA Announces Timeline for PFAS Restriction Evaluation
ii. ECHA Publishes Updated PFAS Restriction Proposal
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