News Details

On 6 October 2026, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced that the final opinions recommending new harmonised classifications for trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and its inorganic salts have been published and sent to the European Commission. These opinions were adopted by ECHA’s Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) in June 2026 .

Recommended Classifications

RAC recommends classifying TFA (CAS No. 76-05-1) and its inorganic salts, including sodium trifluoroacetate, as follows:

• Toxic to reproduction, Category 1B, for adverse effects on development.
• Toxic to reproduction, Category 2, for adverse effects on sexual function and fertility.
• Persistent, mobile and toxic (PMT).
• Very persistent and very mobile (vPvM).

For TFA alone, RAC also recommends the following classifications:

• Acute oral toxicity, Category 4.
• Acute inhalation toxicity Category 3.

Uses and Environmental Concerns

TFA is used in laboratories and industry, and it can also form as a breakdown product of certain fluorinated substances, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Due to its high persistence and mobility, it can lead to widespread and long-lasting contamination of groundwater and other water resources. TFA already has an EU harmonised classification that includes being harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.

Next Steps

The European Commission will consider the opinions in consultation with Member States and stakeholders. If adopted under the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation, the new harmonised classifications would become legally binding and could also trigger regulatory measures under other EU legislation. ECHA’s announcement does not specify a date for adoption or entry into force.