On May 4, 2026, the European Chemicals Agency is continuing the evaluation of a broad restriction proposal targeting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under the EU REACH Regulation. The restriction initiative, jointly submitted by authorities from Germany, Denmark, Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden, seeks to restrict the manufacture, placing on the market, and use of PFAS in the European Union. The proposed restriction covers PFAS substances defined as chemicals containing at least one fully fluorinated methyl or methylene carbon atom, with limited structural exclusions. According to ECHA, PFAS are highly persistent, mobile, and difficult to remove from the environment, leading to widespread contamination of water, soil, and ecosystems. Certain PFAS have also been identified as toxic and bioaccumulative, posing risks to human health and the environment. The Annex XV restriction dossier consultation began in March 2023, and ECHA’s Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Committee for Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) are currently developing their opinions across multiple sectors, including cosmetics, textiles, food contact materials, medical devices, electronics, transport, construction products, and fluorinated gases. A consultation on the SEAC draft opinion opened on March 26, 2026, with comments accepted until May 25, 2026.
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