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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.

RAPEX, as the EU's rapid alert system for non-food dangerous products, has issued multiple notification cases for fluorinated compounds such as PFAS, PFOA and PFCAs, covering clothing, textiles, outdoor equipment and other product categories. These notifications reflect the EU's strict regulatory requirements and high-intensity law enforcement for PFAS residues in consumer products, and also bring clear compliance challenges to global manufacturers, exporters and cross-border e-commerce platforms.

On March 30, 2026, the European Commission released the guidance document and accompanying Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for the PPWR.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are increasingly becoming a focal point of global concern due to their potential long-term impacts on the environment and human health. As a class of synthetic chemicals characterized by high stability and widespread applications, PFAS are facing increasingly stringent regulatory scrutiny in the cosmetics sector. This article explores the physicochemical properties and potential health risks of PFAS, and systematically reviews the evolving global regulatory landscape related to their use in cosmetics. It aims to help cosmetic enterprises gain a comprehensive understanding of regulatory requirements, mitigate compliance risks, enhance product safety, and strengthen competitiveness in international markets.

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.