On March 13, 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) provided an update on its proposal to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under REACH. Initially proposed on February 7, 2023, in response to a request from five EU Member States, the proposal aims to restrict or ban most uses of PFAS, including in food-contact materials.

Following a consultation period, ECHA outlined the next steps: evaluation by its scientific committees (RAC and SEAC) of the proposal and the received comments and updating of the initial report by the five Member States. These steps will be discussed in committee meetings throughout 2024, with specific focus on food-contact materials in September and cosmetics in March.

The “Registry of Restriction Intentions until Outcome” maintained by ECHA documents intentions and proposals for restrictions under Annex XV. These proposals can originate from Member States or ECHA itself, either at the Commission's request or independently for substances in the Authorisation List.

Member States must notify ECHA in advance of their intention to prepare a restriction dossier, allowing stakeholders to plan and participate in subsequent consultations. Interested parties can track the proposal's progress through various stages, including review by RAC and SEAC, and eventual adoption by the European Commission.

Stakeholders are encouraged to provide relevant information and suggestions, particularly regarding potential exemptions, during both the preparation and consultation phases of the proposal.

Post 28/03/2024