The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published the updated proposal to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under the EU’s chemicals regulation, REACH. The update has been prepared by authorities from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, who submitted the initial proposal in January 2023.

Helsinki, 20 August 2025 – the five authorities, acting as the Dossier Submitter, have completed their evaluation of the more than 5 600 scientific and technical comments received from third parties during the 2023 consultation. Based on the evidence gathered, they have updated their initial restriction proposal. This updated report, called the Background Document, forms the basis for ECHA’s committees’ opinions. This document may still be updated further, based on the evaluation of the committees.

The five authorities have, among other things, identified and carried out assessments for eight sectors that were not specifically named in the initial proposal. These sectors are:

• printing applications;
• sealing applications;
• machinery applications;
• other medical applications, such as immediate packaging and excipients for pharmaceuticals;
• military applications;
• explosives;
• technical textiles; and
• broader industrial uses, such as solvents and catalysts.

In addition, they have considered alternative restriction options, beyond a full ban or a ban with time-limited derogations for certain applications. These options involve conditions that allow the continued manufacture, placing on the market or use of PFAS where the risks can be controlled. These alternative options have been assessed by the Dossier Submitter for:

• PFAS manufacturing;
• transport;
• electronics and semiconductors;
• energy;
• sealing applications;
• machinery applications; and
• technical textiles.

ECHA’s scientific committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) continue to evaluate the proposed restriction. The Agency aims to provide the European Commission with a transparent, independent and high-quality RAC and SEAC opinion as soon as possible.

The European Commission will ultimately decide on the restriction in consultation with the EU Member States.

Background

The proposal to restrict PFAS in the EU/EEA was prepared by authorities in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. It was submitted to ECHA on 13 January 2023. It aims to reduce PFAS emissions into the environment and make products and processes safer for people. The six-month consultation ran from 22 March to 25 September 2023.

Currently, ECHA’s scientific committees, comprised of independent experts from EU Member States, are evaluating the proposal.