Second ECHA committee concludes draft opinion on PFAS restriction

Helsinki – The European Chemicals Agency’s Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) has agreed its draft opinion on the proposed EU-wide restriction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), marking the second scientific assessment completed on the measure.

In an 11 March statement, ECHA said that the draft opinion is based on “an extensive and independent assessment of the socio-economic impacts of a potential restriction of PFAS as well as an analysis of available alternatives.”

The draft opinion will be published "shortly" and opened to a 60-day public consultation, the Helsinki-based agency added.

The SEAC review builds on a proposal submitted in January 2023 by authorities in the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Norway and Sweden for a “universal restriction” covering all PFAS substances and their uses. 

Earlier in March, ECHA’s Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) adopted its own opinion on the proposed measures, based on an “extensive and independent evaluation” of PFAS hazards, volumes, emissions and risks. (ERJ report)

RAC assesses the risks chemicals pose to human health and the environment, while SEAC evaluates the broader economic and societal impacts of proposed restrictions, including costs and the availability of alternatives.

According to ECHA, SEAC’s draft opinion will remain open for consultation before the committee finalises its position, which is expected by the end of 2026.

The completion of the SEAC opinion will conclude the agency’s scientific evaluation of the proposal.

The final opinions from both committees will then be submitted to the European Commission, which will use them as the basis for drafting restriction measures for discussion and vote by EU member states in the REACH Committee.