News Brief

On August 20, 2025, on Helsinki Time, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published the updated restriction proposal for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS).  

Background of the Restriction Proposal  

In January 2023, authorities from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden submitted a REACH Proposal to ECHA, proposing a comprehensive restriction on the production, placement on the market, and use of PFAS, encompassing more than 10,000 substances across the European Union.  

During the six-month public consultation period in 2023, ECHA received over 5,600 submitted scientific and technical opinions from stakeholders. The authorities of the five countries have now completed the assessment of these opinions and updated the PFAS restriction proposal based on the collected evidence. This updated report, known as the "Background Document", forms the basis for the opinions of ECHA's committees and may be further revised based on the committees' assessments.  

Key Updates in the Restriction Proposal  

Expansion to Eight Additional Industries

Identification and evaluation of eight additional industries omitted from the initial proposal, including:  

•    Printing applications;  

•    Sealing applications;  

•    Mechanical applications;  

•    Other medical applications, including immediate packaging and excipients for pharmaceuticals;  

•    Military applications;  

•    Explosives;  

•    Technical textiles;  

•    Broader industrial uses, such as solvents and catalysts.  

Consideration of Alternative Restriction Options

In addition to a comprehensive ban or a ban with exemption periods, other restriction options have been considered, permitting the continued production, placement on the market, or use of PFAS under controlled risk conditions. These alternative options have been assessed for the following sectors:  

•    PFAS manufacturing;  

•    Transportation;  

•    Electronics and semiconductors;  

•    Energy;  

•    Sealing applications;  

•    Mechanical applications;  

•    Technical textiles.  

Next Steps for the Restriction Proposal  

ECHA's scientific Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) are continuing their evaluation of the PFAS restriction proposal, with the objective of delivering transparent, independent, and high-quality scientific opinions to the European Commission as soon as possible. The European Commission will make the final decision on whether to adopt the proposed restrictions following consultation with Member States.  

Important Reminder from REACH24H  

The latest developments in the EU PFAS restriction proposal reflect adherence to stringent regulatory principles while incorporating industry feedback and exploring more flexible control measures beyond a comprehensive ban. Considering the extensive scope of the proposal and its alignment with global PFAS regulatory trends, all stakeholders should closely monitor its potential impact.  

REACH24H advises relevant companies in the EU and globally to proactively develop response strategies to mitigate potential risks, expedite product screening for PFAS substances, and accelerate the development of fluorine-free alternative technologies to gradually reduce and eliminate PFAS in their products.  

REACH24H will continue to monitor PFAS regulatory developments, assist companies in clarifying compliance obligations, and provide PFAS compliance support. Additionally, REACH24H offers PFAS-Free Certification services, utilizing hazard assessment tools to help companies identify safer chemicals, promote the implementation of fluorine-free alternatives, and enhance compliance management and risk response capabilities.  

For more information or service inquiries, please feel free to contact us at customer@reach24h.com!