tags

On June 3, 2026, ECHA released a briefing on the SEAC consultation for the PFAS restriction proposal, receiving 3,511 comments within a 60-day period.

In June 2026, ECHA released the operation report on REACH and CLP regulations, summarizing the five-year effectiveness of EU chemicals legislation.

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals", feature extremely stable carbon-fluorine bonds, high bioaccumulation potential and suspected endocrine disrupting properties, leading to stringent regulatory restrictions worldwide. According to OECD statistics, the PFAS family comprises over 10,000 substances. Fluoropolymers including Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), FEP, PFA, PVDF and PCTFE are widely applied in cardiovascular catheters, implant coatings, pacemaker wire insulation, as well as sterile high-barrier packaging for medical devices.

On November 5, 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published mapping of PFAS uses, serving as an industry support document for the upcoming public consultation on PFAS restrictions. The mapping systematically outlines PFAS applications across 14 major industrial, professional, and consumer sectors, including battery manufacturing, textiles, electronics, and PFAS production.

On October 3, 2025, the European Commission published (EU) 2025/1988 in the Official Journal, amending Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation (Restrictions) to include item 82, which sets forth control requirements for PFAS in firefighting foams. The revised regulation will take effect on October 23, 2025. This amendment marks a significant step towards comprehensive PFAS regulation in the EU. The firefighting foam industry should pay close attention to this revision, and other industries should continue to monitor the EU's progress in regulating PFAS across all sectors.

To assist stakeholders in preparation, ECHA will host an online briefing on October 30, 2025.

On August 27, 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced updated progress on the EU’s proposed "most stringent ever" restriction on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). According to the latest timeline, the full scientific evaluation of the restriction proposal is expected to conclude by the end of 2026, paving the way for the European Commission to enact legislation that would comprehensively limit the production and use of over 10,000 PFAS chemicals. According to the latest timeline, the full scientific evaluation of the restriction proposal is expected to conclude by the end of 2026.

On August 20, 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has officially released the revised 14th edition of its restriction proposal on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as the "Background Document." The update expands the assessment scope to include eight additional industry sectors, laying the groundwork for the final opinion by ECHA’s committees.

On March 19, 2025, The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced significant advancements in chemical regulation following the first joint meeting of its Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) and Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) in 2025. The committees reached multiple technical consensuses on key issues, including the proposed restriction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), marking a new phase in the EU’s chemical regulatory framework.

The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has fully added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to its Substances of Very High Concern (ZZS) list. This action emphasizes the need for Dutch companies to significantly reduce PFAS use and emissions.