ECHA Updates PFAS and CLH

European Chemicals Agency’s Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) held pivotal discussions on the proposed EU-wide restriction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The meetings also addressed new limits on N-(hydroxymethyl)acrylamide (NMA) exposure, Octocrilene restriction, chromium trioxide authorisations, and harmonised classification decisions.

PFAS Restriction: RAC and SEAC Provisional Conclusions

The committees continued the comprehensive evaluation of the PFAS restriction proposal, with focus areas including:

🛢️ Energy and Lubricants

SEAC reached provisional socio-economic conclusions on PFAS applications in energy and lubricant systems.

🔌 Electronics and Semiconductors

RAC discussed risk assessments for PFAS used in electronics and semiconductor sectors. SEAC initiated parallel evaluations on socio-economic impacts for the same sectors.

🧪 PFAS Manufacturing & Horizontal Issues

Both committees also tackled overarching concerns, including:

• Concentration thresholds above which PFAS may be restricted
• Hazard characterisation of PFAS compounds
• Environmental emission reduction and monitoring measures

What’s Next for PFAS Restrictions? 🔄 December 2025

The committees will continue evaluations, focusing on:

• SEAC: Electronics and semiconductors – feasibility of alternatives, costs, sectoral impact
• RAC & SEAC: PFAS manufacturing – environmental risks and exposure levels during production
• RAC & SEAC: Horizontal issues – standardised limits, risk profiles, cross-sector emission controls

📆 March 2026 (Tentative)

• RAC will adopt its final scientific opinion
• SEAC will finalise its draft socio-economic opinion, followed by a 60-day public consultation
• Final adoption of SEAC's opinion is planned by end of 2026

Octocrilene Restriction Proposal: Under Review

The committees confirmed that France's proposed restriction on Octocrilene, a UV filter, meets the legal requirements under Annex XV of REACH.

• A six-month consultation is now open and runs until 24 March 2026.
• Scientific evaluation and opinion development by RAC and SEAC will follow.

NMA: New Occupational Exposure Recommendations

RAC adopted an opinion on the carcinogenicity and toxicity of N-(hydroxymethyl)acrylamide (NMA):

• Established an Exposure-Risk Relationship (ERR) for cancer
• Proposed a non-cancer 8-hour TWA limit to protect against neurotoxic and reproductive effects

These limits aim to guide workplace safety across EU industries using this chemical.

Chromium Trioxide Authorisation Applications

RAC and SEAC reviewed a set of applications under REACH:

RAC: 7 draft opinions SEAC: 9 draft opinions

Both committees jointly adopted 14 final opinions, including for the large CTAC Sub2 application, a major upstream use of chromium trioxide and chromic acid.

Harmonised Classification and Labelling (CLH)

RAC adopted 8 opinions on harmonised classification and labelling proposals. These include new or updated classifications for substances affecting human health and the environment. Full summaries are available via ECHA’s annex.

Reference: All news – ECHA