Next steps for PFAS restriction proposal

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) outlines how its two scientific committees will progress in evaluating the proposal to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Europe.

Helsinki, 13 March 2024 – Following the screening of a large number of comments received during the consultation, ECHA is clarifying the next steps for the proposal to restrict PFAS under REACH, the EU’s chemicals regulation.

The Agency’s scientific committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) will evaluate the proposed restriction together with the comments from the consultation in batches, focusing on the different sectors that may be affected.

In tandem, the five national authorities who prepared the proposal, are updating their initial report to address the consultation comments. This updated report will be assessed by the committees and will serve as the foundation for their opinions.

The sectors and elements that will be discussed in the next three committee meetings are:

• March 2024 meetings:
  • Consumer mixtures, cosmetics and ski wax;
  • Hazards of PFAS (only by RAC); and
  • General approach (only by SEAC).
• June 2024 meetings:
  • Metal plating and manufacture of metal products; and
  • Additional discussion on hazards (only by RAC).
• September 2024 meetings:
  • Textiles, upholstery, leather, apparel, carpets (TULAC);
  • Food contact materials and packaging; and
  • Petroleum and mining.

More information about the committees’ plans to evaluate the remaining sectors and about the next procedural steps will be announced as work advances. This information will be communicated in conjunction with the committee meetings.

ECHA is making every effort to progress opinion making, following the updates made to the proposal by the five national authorities. The Agency will deliver the final opinions to the European Commission in the shortest possible timeframe while ensuring their transparency, independence and high quality.