News Details

On 11 March 2026, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced that its Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) has agreed its draft opinion on the universal restriction proposal on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under the REACH Regulation.

The development follows the recent adoption of the final opinion by ECHA’s Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) on the risks posed by PFAS.

Draft Opinion Based on Socio-Economic Assessment

SEAC is one of ECHA’s two scientific committees responsible for evaluating EU-wide restriction proposals under REACH. The committee assesses the benefits of proposed measures for human health and the environment, as well as the associated costs and broader socio-economic impacts, while also considering the availability of alternatives.

SEAC’s draft opinion is based on an extensive and independent assessment of the socio-economic impacts of a potential restriction on PFAS, as well as an analysis of available alternatives. The proposal, prepared by the relevant authorities in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, covers all PFAS and all uses, and aims to restrict their manufacture, placing on the market and use within the EU.

Consultation and Next Steps

The SEAC draft opinion and the final RAC opinion will soon be published, providing full details of their contents. Once published, the SEAC draft opinion will be subject to a 60-day public consultation period, during which stakeholders will be able to submit comments.

SEAC is expected to adopt its final opinion by the end of 2026, taking into account any relevant information received during the consultation. Following this, the opinions of both committees will be formally submitted to the European Commission.

Based on these opinions, the Commission will propose a restriction for discussion and vote in the REACH Committee, which is composed of EU Member States.