European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced that a public consultation on the draft opinion of its Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) regarding the proposed EU-wide PFAS restriction will launch in Spring 2026, following SEAC’s March meeting.
This consultation marks a critical stage in the EU’s ongoing efforts to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and reduce associated environmental and health risks.
Background on PFAS Restriction Proposal
The PFAS restriction proposal was submitted to ECHA on 13 January 2023 by authorities in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. Its objective is to minimize PFAS emissions and transition industries to safer alternatives.
A previous six-month consultation took place from 22 March to 25 September 2023, during which ECHA collected initial stakeholder feedback. The agency’s scientific committees—SEAC and RAC—are now independently evaluating the proposal.
SEAC Draft Opinion Focus
The upcoming draft opinion from SEAC will assess:
• Socio-economic impacts of restricting PFAS use
• Availability and feasibility of alternatives
• Sector-specific implications for industry and consumers
The draft opinion is expected in March 2026, after which a 60-day public consultation will follow. The final SEAC opinion is expected by the end of 2026.
Consultation Structure and Participation
The consultation will use a structured online survey, allowing stakeholders to provide input on:
• Expected costs and benefits of restriction
• Availability of PFAS-free alternatives
• Technical feasibility and transition timelines
Key notes:
• Risk-related information (e.g., toxicity) will not be part of this consultation and is handled separately by the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC).
• Attachments will not be accepted; all input must be entered directly into the form fields.
• The consultation is open to all stakeholders, including industry, NGOs, academia, and the general public.
Support for Stakeholders
To help stakeholders prepare high-quality input, ECHA will:
• Host an online information session on 30 October 2025
• Publish detailed consultation guidelines with instructions and sector-specific prompts
Stakeholders are encouraged to gather data early, especially regarding substitute substances, market impacts, and supply chain readiness.
Next Steps
• March 2026: SEAC finalizes draft opinion and opens consultation
• Spring 2026: 60-day consultation period begins
• End of 2026: SEAC adopts its final opinion
• Post-2026: The European Commission, with Member State input, will decide on formal adoption of the restriction
This regulatory action forms part of the EU’s broader Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, which aims to reduce the use of persistent, bioaccumulative, and harmful substances like PFAS.
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