The EU's proposed universal restriction on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances is progressing through the REACH restriction process nearly four years after Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden submitted the proposal in January 2023. Using an OECD-aligned definition, it covers more than 10,000 substances.
ECHA's Committee for Risk Assessment adopted its final opinion on March 2, 2026, concluding that PFAS pose an EU-wide risk justifying restriction and supporting a full ban on risk grounds, with only personal protective equipment excepted. The Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis published a draft opinion on March 26 favoring a broad restriction with time-limited, use-specific derogations.
The 60-day consultation on the draft socio-economic opinion closed on May 25, 2026. The final socio-economic opinion is expected before the end of 2026, after which the European Commission has said it intends to present its proposal rapidly.
Risk assessment thresholds recommended are 25 ppb for any individual PFAS by targeted analysis excluding polymers, 250 ppb for the sum of PFAS by targeted analysis, and 50 ppm for total PFAS including polymers, with a default transition period of 18 months. Separate rules already apply to PFAS in firefighting foams and in food-contact packaging.
