EU PFAS Restriction Reaches a Critical Stage
RAC and SEAC Outline the Path Towards 2026 Decisions
Helsinki, 17 December 2025 – The Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) made significant progress in their evaluation of the proposed EU-wide restriction on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) during their December meetings.
Both committees reached provisional conclusions on PFAS manufacturing, while SEAC also finalised its assessment of PFAS uses in electronics and semiconductors. These discussions form a key part of the European Union’s efforts to address the risks posed by PFAS to human health and the environment.
Horizontal Issues Under Review
RAC and SEAC continued their examination of horizontal issues relevant to the entire proposed restriction. These include, among others:
Potential concentration limits above which PFAS could be restricted,
PFAS management plans,
Recycling and spare parts considerations,
Practicality, including enforceability and monitorability, and
Whether the proposed restriction represents the most appropriate EU-wide regulatory measure to manage PFAS-related risks.
This comprehensive approach aims to balance environmental protection with socio-economic impacts across the European market.
March 2026 Meetings: Key Milestones Ahead
According to the tentative planning, the Committees’ March 2026 meetings will focus on:
Final discussion and adoption of RAC’s opinion on the PFAS restriction; and
Discussion and agreement on SEAC’s draft opinion, which will be released for stakeholder consultation.
A 60-day stakeholder consultation on SEAC’s draft opinion is expected to begin shortly after the draft is agreed at the March meeting, offering industry, civil society and other stakeholders an opportunity to provide input.
Harmonised Classification and Labelling: A New Hazard Class Applied
RAC adopted seven opinions on harmonised classification and labelling (CLH), including the classification of 4,4′-methylene bis(dibutyldithiocarbamate) as very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB).
This marks RAC’s first opinion addressing a new hazard class introduced under the revised Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation, which entered into force in 2023. Summaries of these opinions and the proposed classifications are provided in the annex.
Occupational Exposure Limits: Anthraquinone Assessment
RAC also adopted its opinion on the scientific evaluation of an occupational exposure limit for anthraquinone. The Committee:
Derived an exposure–risk relationship (ERR) expressing excess cancer risk, and
Recommended a non-cancer 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) limit to protect against adverse effects from repeated exposure, primarily affecting the kidneys.
Applications for Authorisation: Chromium Trioxide
In addition, RAC and SEAC agreed on ten draft opinions on applications for authorisation concerning chromium trioxide, continuing the EU’s assessment of high-concern substances under controlled-use conditions.
Further Information
More detailed information on the topics discussed by the committees is available in the annex. Readers may also listen to the Safer Chemicals Podcast, featuring RAC Chair Roberto Scazzola and SEAC Chair María Ottati, for further insights into the committees’ work.