Draft SEAC opinion and final RAC opinion on the universal PFAS restriction proposal

On 11 March 2026, the Socio‑Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) of ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) approved its draft preliminary opinion on the proposal for a universal restriction under Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH), concerning the limitation of the manufacture, placing on the market and use of per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The document will be published shortly and will be subject to a 60‑day public consultation, offering companies and stakeholders an important opportunity to contribute with comments, technical data and sector‑specific information.

SEAC’s work is based on an in‑depth assessment of the socio‑economic impacts of a potential restriction, with particular attention to the expected costs for companies, the benefits for human health and the environment, and the availability and suitability of alternatives. The complexity of the analysis derives from the fact that the original proposal, submitted in 2023 by the competent authorities of Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, covers the entire PFAS universe and all related uses.

In parallel, the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) of ECHA has concluded its work, adopting its final opinion on 2 March 2026.

In the coming days, the publication of the RAC final opinion and the SEAC draft opinion is expected, the latter being the one that will undergo public consultation. At the end of the consultation period, SEAC will prepare its final opinion, integrating - where relevant - the new elements received. The final adoption of the Committee’s opinion is expected by the end of 2026. Once the scientific assessment process is completed, both opinions will be transmitted to the European Commission, which will proceed with drafting the restriction proposal to be submitted to the REACH Committee for a vote by the Member States.

For companies, this phase represents the ideal moment to initiate - or strengthen - a precise mapping of the presence of PFAS in their processes, mixtures and finished products. Understanding where PFAS are present and to what extent already enables businesses to anticipate the impacts of the upcoming restriction and to plan the most appropriate technical choices. In this process, Normachem is at your disposal to support you both in assessing the technologically available alternatives and in analysing regulatory scenarios and potential transitional periods applicable to your specific uses.