Universal PFAS restriction: sector-by-sector assessment continues
The EU-wide proposal to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under REACH Annex XVII — prepared by Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, and one of the broadest restriction proposals ever assessed under REACH — is still moving through ECHA's committees. RAC adopted its opinion on 3 March 2026; SEAC's sector-by-sector socio-economic assessment (14 sector modules) is ongoing, with a final opinion expected by the end of 2026. This is not yet an adopted restriction, but companies should not wait for final adoption before mapping PFAS uses and alternatives.
Published16 Sept 2026
EffectiveNot yet adopted — RAC opinion adopted 3 March 2026; SEAC's draft-opinion consultation (14 sector-specific modules) closed 25 May 2026
Compliance deadlineSEAC's final opinion is expected by the end of 2026. The European Commission then drafts a specific restriction proposal from the RAC/SEAC opinions for the REACH Committee to vote on.
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