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ECHA updates PFAS restriction proposal, adding eight industry impact assessments
Time：
2025-08-25
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has released updated proposals for restrictions on perfluorinated and polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS), adding assessments for eight new industry sectors.
On August 20, 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) officially released the revised 14th edition of the REACH regulation, proposing restrictions on perfluorinated and polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS), adding assessments for eight new industry sectors, laying the foundation for the final opinion of the ECHA Committee.
01. Background of Proposal
Due to its difficult to degrade nature in the environment, PFAS is extremely difficult to decompose during use and can remain in the environment for a long time. Most PFAS also have the ability to migrate over long distances to areas far from the emission source. On January 13, 2023, regulatory agencies from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden jointly submitted a restriction proposal, and the European Union conducted a six-month public consultation from March to September of the same year.
Currently, the five file submitters of the proposal have completed the evaluation of over 5600 scientific and technological opinions received during the 2023 public consultation period from more than 4400 organizations, enterprises, and individuals. Based on the collected information, they updated the initial restriction proposal and created an updated report called the Background Document for reference by the ECHA Committee. According to the committee's assessment, this document may be further updated in the future.
02. Update main content
New substitutes and cost impacts for eight key industries
The revised proposal updates the summary table of alternatives and cost impacts on industries using PFASs due to the comprehensive ban on PFASs. The eight major industries include:
- Printing application
- Sealing application
- Mechanical applications
- Medical extension fields such as instant packaging of drugs and excipients
- Military applications
- explosives
- Industrial textiles
- More extensive industrial applications such as solvents and catalysts
- Update of restriction scheme
In addition, they also considered other restriction options besides a comprehensive ban or exemptions within specific time limits for certain applications. These plans include conditions that allow for the continued manufacture, launch on the market, or use of PFAS while controlling risks. These alternative solutions have been evaluated by the document submitter:
- PFAS production;
- Transportation;
- Electronic and semiconductor fields;
- Energy;
- Sealing application;
- Mechanical application field;
- Functional textiles.
- Limit concentration of proposal
The proposal points out that based on existing information analysis, the following feasible threshold standards should be formulated for independent PFASs, other substances containing PFASs, formulation components, mixtures, or products launched on the market:
25 ppb: Limit for any type of PFAS (determined using the target PFAS analysis method, polymer PFAS is not included in quantification);
250 ppb: a limit for the total amount of PFAS (also determined using the target PFAS analysis method, pre degraded precursors can be selected, and polymer PFAS are not included in the quantification);
50 ppm: Limit for total PFAS content (including polymer PFAS).
If the total fluorine content exceeds 50 mg F/kg, the manufacturer, importer, or downstream user shall provide evidence upon request by law enforcement agencies to prove whether the measured fluorine element is derived from PFAS or non PFAS substances.
03. Follow up process
The Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) and Socio Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) under ECHA are conducting independent reviews based on this document. ECHA stated that it will submit a "transparent, independent, and high-quality" joint opinion to the European Commission as soon as possible, and the final restrictive measures will be decided through consultation between the European Commission and member states.
The proposed restrictions on PFAS under the EU REACH regulation cover a relatively wide range of products. Relevant companies should conduct necessary inspections of their products and supply chains as soon as possible, closely monitor the progress of the proposal, and prepare in advance to adapt to possible regulatory changes.
Globally, perfluorinated and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have become a focus of control due to their environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential health risks. The control of PFAS in regions such as the European Union and the United States is constantly strengthening. Jiayu Testing has a professional testing technology team, equipped with advanced instruments and equipment, proficient in various regulatory standards, and provides one-stop PFAS testing services. Welcome to contact us at 400-9269-886 !
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