Germany Proposes REACH Restriction on Bisphenols with Endocrine-Disrupting Properties for the Environment

On May 27, 2026, Germany notified the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) of its intention to prepare a restriction proposal under Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) for bisphenols with endocrine-disrupting properties for the environment and their salts. The proposed restriction covers Bisphenol A (BPA), Bisphenol B (BPB), Bisphenol S (BPS), Bisphenol F (BPF), Bisphenol AF (BPAF), and related salts. The proposed restriction targets applications associated with significant environmental emission potential, including leather tanning and leather articles, textile finishing agents and textile articles, thermal paper, and articles and mixtures made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The dossier will also include provisions allowing the European Commission to extend the restriction scope to additional bisphenols identified as environmental endocrine disruptors at the EU level. Germany indicated that the proposal may include concentration limits, emission reduction measures during recycling processes, and controls related to second-hand products. The initiative aims to reduce environmental contamination, protect aquatic ecosystems, and avoid regrettable substitution with similarly hazardous bisphenol substances. The restriction proposal is currently at the “Intention” stage, with submission of the Annex XV dossier expected by March 12, 2027.