,The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has opened a 60-day public consultation on the draft opinion of its Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) concerning a proposed EU-wide restriction on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Running from 26 March to 25 May 2026, the consultation seeks detailed, evidence-based input from stakeholders, including industry, NGOs, researchers, alternative technology developers, and the general public. Participants must respond via a structured survey addressing the potential socio-economic impacts of restricting PFAS across multiple sectors, as well as the availability, practicality, and cost of safer alternatives. The consultation specifically focuses on SEAC’s draft opinion adopted on 10 March 2026, while excluding hazard and risk assessments already covered by the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC). ECHA has published guidance documents and a comprehensive mapping of PFAS uses to support accurate submissions. Confidential business information will be protected, while non-confidential responses will be made publicly available. Following the evaluation of submissions, SEAC may revise its conclusions before issuing a final opinion by late 2026. This will complete ECHA’s scientific assessment and inform the European Commission, which will propose regulatory measures for decision by EU Member States under the REACH Regulation. The restriction proposal, originally submitted in January 2023 by five European countries, aims to reduce PFAS emissions and improve environmental and human safety.
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