The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has reported 3,511 comments from more than 3,200 organisations and around 250 individuals during its public consultation on the draft socio-economic opinion (SEAC) for the proposed EU PFAS restriction.

The consultation, which closed on 25 May 2026, is part of the ongoing evaluation of one of the most significant chemical restrictions proposed under the REACH Regulation.

Key Takeaways

• High stakeholder engagement reflects the wide-ranging impact of the proposed PFAS restriction across European industry.
• Feedback covered topics such as:
  • Availability of alternatives
  • Transition periods
  • Proposed derogations
  • Economic and supply chain impacts
  • Technical feasibility of substitution
• Comments were submitted by stakeholders from sectors including chemicals, electronics, automotive, aerospace, medical devices, energy, and manufacturing.

Why It Matters

PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are widely used for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. However, concerns regarding their persistence in the environment have driven increasing regulatory scrutiny globally.

The proposed restriction could affect the manufacture, use, and placing on the market of PFAS-containing substances, mixtures, and articles across numerous industries.

What Happens Next?

• ECHA's Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) will review the consultation feedback.
• SEAC is expected to adopt its final opinion later in 2026.
• Together with the opinion from the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC), the proposal will then be forwarded to the European Commission for decision-making.

What Companies Should Do Now

Although PFAS restrictions are still evolving, companies should not wait for the final regulatory text before taking action. Identifying PFAS in products and supply chains can be a time-consuming process, often requiring engagement with suppliers across multiple tiers of the value chain.

A practical first step is to understand where PFAS may be present within your product portfolio and to begin collecting relevant information from suppliers. This allows companies to assess potential exposure, identify higher-risk products, evaluate available alternatives, and prepare for future customer and regulatory requirements.

At 1cc, we support companies with PFAS supply chain survey, supplier engagement, data collection campaigns, and evaluation of supplier responses. Our goal is to help organizations gain visibility into potential PFAS risks early, enabling them to prepare proactively and reduce the risk of business disruption when new restrictions enter into force.

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Our experts help you identify PFAS in your products and supply chain, engage suppliers, and prepare for upcoming regulatory requirements.

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