The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has announced that its Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) will open a consultation in spring 2026 on its draft opinion regarding the proposed EU-wide restriction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The consultation will follow SEAC’s March 2026 meeting and remain open for 60 days.

The process will focus on socio-economic impacts of restricting PFAS, including the availability and feasibility of alternatives across sectors. Risk aspects are being assessed separately by ECHA’s Committee for Risk Assessment. The consultation will take place through a structured online survey, with all interested stakeholders — including industry, NGOs, researchers and the public — invited to provide input.

To support stakeholders, ECHA will hold an online information session on 30 October 2025 and publish consultation guidelines. SEAC is expected to adopt its final opinion by the end of 2026, after which the EU Commission and Member States will decide on a potential restriction.

The restriction proposal was originally submitted by authorities in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, with the aim of reducing PFAS emissions and ensuring safer products and processes.

Find more information about the announcement here and an in-depth analysis of the process from our previous newsletter here.