Overview
On July 2, 2026, the European Commission published the updated list of the REACH1) Restrictions Roadmap2).
This serves as a "regulatory preview," providing advance notice on which hazardous chemicals the EU plans to regulate and the procedures involved. It is designed to help companies understand upcoming regulatory trends and prepare alternative substances with sufficient lead time.
1) EU regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals
2) A European Commission document outlining future substances planned for restriction and the corresponding procedures
Key Takeaways
The recent publication of the REACH Restrictions Roadmap does not establish new, specific restriction limits or enforcement dates.
Rather, it is a status briefing indicating that "previously announced regulatory discussions are advancing to the next stages."
1. Regulatory Progress Status
1) Restrictions Already Adopted (Enforcement Confirmed)
2,4-Dinitrotoluene
PFAS in firefighting foams
Aprotic solvents (DMAC, NEP)
PAHs in clay targets
PFHxA (PFAS group)
Siloxanes (D4, D5, D6)
Microplastics
Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers
Lead and its compounds in PVC, etc.
2) Final Stages Before Adoption
These are currently under final review in internal EU discussions (REACH Committee), with some expected to be confirmed within 2026.
Lead in fishing tackle (Expected to be adopted in 2026)
26 additional CMRs3) for consumer use (Expected to be adopted in 2026)
Creosote
Terphenyl hydrogenated
CMRs in childcare products
Lead in gunshot
3) Stands for Carcinogenic, *Mutagenic, and Reprotoxic substances
*The property of causing mutations by damaging DNA
2. Ongoing Reviews for Major Substances
Three major items of high industry interest—PFAS4), Hexavalent Chromium5), and Octocrylene6)—have not yet reached the final adoption stage.
While the restriction proposals for these substances have been submitted, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is still carefully evaluating the necessity of the restrictions and their socio-economic impacts. Additionally, restriction efforts for PBTs7) and endocrine disruptors8) were once again highlighted as ongoing key initiatives.
4) Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (a group of over 10,000 synthetic chemicals)
5) Chromium compounds classified as carcinogenic
6) A UV filter ingredient commonly used in cosmetics
7) Stands for Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic substances
8) A chemical that mimics or interferes with the normal function of the body's hormones (endocrine system)
Conclusion
While the publication of the REACH Restrictions Roadmap does not mean immediate enforcement, it clearly shows that restriction measures for major hazardous substances are steadily progressing.
We recommend that compliance managers handling IMDS, CAMDS, and chemical regulations proactively review the use of these substances in their products to prepare for future additions to the official restriction list.
MDSKorea will continue striving to deliver the most accurate information to support your regulatory compliance.
Thank you.
[Glossary]
| Term | Description |
|---|
| REACH | EU regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals |
| REACH Restrictions Roadmap | A European Commission document outlining future substances planned for restriction and the corresponding procedures |
| CMR | Stands for Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, and Reprotoxic substances |
| Mutagenic | The property of causing mutations by damaging DNA |
| PFAS | Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (a group of over 10,000 synthetic chemicals) |
| PBT | Stands for Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic substances |
| Hexavalent Chromium | Chromium compounds classified as carcinogenic |
| Octocrylene | A UV filter ingredient commonly used in cosmetics |
Endocrine Disruptor
| A chemical that mimics or interferes with the normal function of the body's hormones (endocrine system)
|
[Source]
Overview
On July 2, 2026, the European Commission published the updated list of the REACH1) Restrictions Roadmap2).
This serves as a "regulatory preview," providing advance notice on which hazardous chemicals the EU plans to regulate and the procedures involved. It is designed to help companies understand upcoming regulatory trends and prepare alternative substances with sufficient lead time.
1) EU regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals
2) A European Commission document outlining future substances planned for restriction and the corresponding procedures
Key Takeaways
The recent publication of the REACH Restrictions Roadmap does not establish new, specific restriction limits or enforcement dates.
Rather, it is a status briefing indicating that "previously announced regulatory discussions are advancing to the next stages."
1. Regulatory Progress Status
1) Restrictions Already Adopted (Enforcement Confirmed)
2,4-Dinitrotoluene
PFAS in firefighting foams
Aprotic solvents (DMAC, NEP)
PAHs in clay targets
PFHxA (PFAS group)
Siloxanes (D4, D5, D6)
Microplastics
Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers
Lead and its compounds in PVC, etc.
2) Final Stages Before Adoption
These are currently under final review in internal EU discussions (REACH Committee), with some expected to be confirmed within 2026.
Lead in fishing tackle (Expected to be adopted in 2026)
26 additional CMRs3) for consumer use (Expected to be adopted in 2026)
Creosote
Terphenyl hydrogenated
CMRs in childcare products
Lead in gunshot
3) Stands for Carcinogenic, *Mutagenic, and Reprotoxic substances
*The property of causing mutations by damaging DNA
2. Ongoing Reviews for Major Substances
Three major items of high industry interest—PFAS4), Hexavalent Chromium5), and Octocrylene6)—have not yet reached the final adoption stage.
While the restriction proposals for these substances have been submitted, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is still carefully evaluating the necessity of the restrictions and their socio-economic impacts. Additionally, restriction efforts for PBTs7) and endocrine disruptors8) were once again highlighted as ongoing key initiatives.
4) Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (a group of over 10,000 synthetic chemicals)
5) Chromium compounds classified as carcinogenic
6) A UV filter ingredient commonly used in cosmetics
7) Stands for Persistent, Bioaccumulative, and Toxic substances
8) A chemical that mimics or interferes with the normal function of the body's hormones (endocrine system)
Conclusion
While the publication of the REACH Restrictions Roadmap does not mean immediate enforcement, it clearly shows that restriction measures for major hazardous substances are steadily progressing.
We recommend that compliance managers handling IMDS, CAMDS, and chemical regulations proactively review the use of these substances in their products to prepare for future additions to the official restriction list.
MDSKorea will continue striving to deliver the most accurate information to support your regulatory compliance.
Thank you.
[Glossary]
[Source]