Reference source : European Commission
Rolling List REACH Restrictions Roadmap Annex XVII Restriction Hazardous Substances EU chemicals strategy PFAS Bisphenols Flame Retardants Medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) Chromium VI
The European Commission has published the 2026 update of its REACH Restrictions Roadmap, which provides an overview of ongoing and planned restrictions on hazardous substances under the REACH Regulation. The updated Roadmap introduces a clearer structure and summarises the progress made since the Roadmap was first published in 2022. It also identifies several new or revised priorities for future restriction work.
According to the updated Roadmap, 11 REACH restrictions have been adopted since 2022. The updated Roadmap categorises ongoing work as either adopted restrictions, cases under Commission decision-making, proposals under evaluation by ECHA's scientific committees, or substance groups at an earlier stage of assessment.
New Structure Improves Transparency
The 2026 Roadmap replaces the previous "pool" structure with a chronological presentation of restriction activities. It now distinguishes between restrictions that have been adopted, proposals under Commission decision-making, cases under ECHA opinion-making, and substance groups that are at earlier stages of assessment. According to the Commission, the revised format is intended to improve transparency and make it easier for stakeholders to follow the progress of restriction initiatives.
Key New and Updated Entries
The updated Roadmap includes several new or revised entries that indicate future areas of regulatory attention.
|
Substance / group |
Key update |
Expected next step |
|
Certain non-polymeric aromatic brominated flame retardants |
Added to the Registry of Intentions |
Annex XV restriction dossier expected December 2026 |
|
Certain phenyl-p-phenylenediamines (PPDs) and other para-substituted phenylenediamines |
Added to the Registry of Intentions with a broader group approach |
Annex XV restriction dossier expected 12 March 2027 |
|
High-temperature heat transfer fluids |
New entry covering two additional substances beyond terphenyl, hydrogenated |
Timing to be decided |
|
Organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs) |
ECHA preparing investigation reports on substitution and uses |
Possible restriction proposal depending on the findings |
|
Bisphenols with endocrine-disrupting properties for the environment |
Included in the Registry of Intentions; separate work on human-health concerns also under consideration |
Annex XV restriction dossier expected 12 March 2027 |
|
1,4-Dioxane |
Scope broadened to certain uses with the objective of reducing environmental emissions; call for evidence on PET production, processing and recycling underway |
Timing to be decided |
The Roadmap also reflects changes in regulatory priorities for certain substances. For example, further assessments have concluded that restrictions on certain photoinitiators and phthalic anhydrides are not currently considered a priority, while other substance groups have progressed to later stages of the restriction process.
Planning Tool for Future Restrictions
The Restrictions Roadmap is intended to provide transparency on the Commission's regulatory planning and should not be regarded as a legally binding list of future restrictions. The Commission notes that the inclusion of a substance or substance group does not necessarily mean that a REACH restriction will ultimately be proposed or adopted, as substances may be addressed through other regulatory measures instead or removed from the Roadmap following further assessment.
