[Regulation]Regulation update: ECHA publishes updated PFAS restriction proposal

On 20 August 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published the updated restriction proposal for PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). The updated report, also called the Background Document, was prepared based on the 2023 consultation process and the scientific and technical evidence collected. It may be further updated based on the evaluations of the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) and the Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC). 

Key Updates

• In addition to the existing 14 sectors, eight new sectors have been added for assessment.

  • Existing sectors: Refer to the “14 sectors” section in the linked document

  • Additional sectors:

    1. Printing applications

    2. Sealing applications

    3. Machinery applications

    4. Other medical applications, such as immediate packaging and excipients for pharmaceuticals

    5. Military applications

    6. Explosives

    7. Technical textiles

    8. Broader industrial uses, such as solvents and catalysts

• Additional restriction option

  • Existing options: Full ban & ban with time-limited derogations

  • New option: Conditional approval (allowed under the condition when the risks can be controlled)
    (* Possible sectors affected by the new option)

    1. PFAS manufacturing

    2. Transport

    3. Electronics and semiconductors

    4. Energy

    5. Sealing applications

    6. Machinery applications

    7. Technical textiles

What’s next

• Evaluation and final opinions by the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) and the Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) – 2025

• Public consultation on the final opinions – first half of 2026

• Preparation of the regulatory draft by the European Commission – second half of 2026