ECHA publishes updated PFAS restriction proposal
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published an updated proposal to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under the EU REACH Regulation. The revision was prepared by the authorities of Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden, who originally submitted the restriction proposal in January 2023.
Background
✅ The PFAS restriction proposal is one of the broadest in EU chemical regulation history.
🌍 It aims to reduce PFAS emissions into the environment and make products and processes safer.
🗓️ The public consultation period ran from 22 March to 25 September 2023.
Important Timeline & Updates
i. 13 January 2023 – Initial PFAS restriction proposal submitted to ECHA by the five authorities.
ii. 22 March – 25 September 2023 – Six-month public consultation period; more than 5,600 scientific and technical comments were received.
iii. 2024 – 2025 – Evaluation of comments, new sectoral assessments, and preparation of the updated Background Document.
iv. 20 August 2025 – Updated restriction proposal published by ECHA.
Impact for Industry
Companies in electronics, textiles, medical devices, packaging, transport, and energy sectors should actively track this process.
Restrictions may still evolve, with possible conditional allowances for certain critical uses.
Important Updates
a. Extensive review of feedback: Over 5,600 scientific and technical comments from the 2023 public consultation were assessed, leading to significant updates in the restriction proposal.
b. Newly assessed sectors: Eight additional sectors, not specifically covered in the initial proposal, have now been evaluated:
🖨️ Printing applications
🧴 Sealing applications
⚙️ Machinery applications
💊 Other medical uses (e.g., pharmaceutical packaging, excipients)
🎖️ Military applications
💣 Explosives
🧵 Technical textiles
🏭 Broader industrial uses (e.g., solvents, catalysts)
Alternative restriction options: Beyond an outright ban or time-limited derogations, the updated document explores conditional allowances for continued use where risks can be managed. This includes PFAS applications in:
🏭 Manufacturing
🚚 Transport
💻 Electronics & Semiconductors
⚡ Energy
🧴⚙️ Sealing and Machinery Applications
🧵 Technical Textiles
Upcoming Regulatory Action Plans
2025–2026 – ECHA’s Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) and Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) continue evaluations of the updated proposal.
2026 (expected) – ECHA to deliver RAC and SEAC opinions to the European Commission.
2026–2027 (expected) – European Commission, in consultation with EU Member States, to decide on final PFAS restrictions.
Reference: All news - ECHA
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