A quick update on PFAS developments at EU and national level:

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ECHA consultation in 2026

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

The consultation is expected to focus on the socio-economic impacts of restricting PFAS, including the feasibility of alternatives across sectors. Risk aspects are being assessed separately by the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC).

SEAC is expected to adopt its final opinion by end-2026, after which the European Commission and Member States will decide on a potential restriction.

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ECHA supporting webinar

To support participants, ECHA will hold an online information session on 30 October 2025, 11:00–13:00 CET, and publish consultation guidelines.

The online session will explain the upcoming consultation on the draft opinion of its Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) planned for March 2026 regarding the proposed EU-wide restriction of PFAS.

The session will cover:

• The purpose of the consultation
• How the survey is structured
• What information will be requested
• How to prepare data for submission

The Webinar will be tailored for manufacturers, business associations, importers, retailers, consultants, NGOs, and all stakeholders planning to provide input on PFAS use and alternatives.

This consultation will directly impact decisions on restricting PFAS across sectors. Participation ensures your views and data are considered in the regulatory process.

You can follow the event live on ECHA’s event page (no registration required).

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Belgium considers PFAS ban

At national level, Belgium is considering measures similar to France and Denmark. Environment Minister Jean-Luc Crucke announced he will soon table a draft law on PFAS, following a citizens’ petition with 28,000 signatures. The plan foresees:

• A national substitution and phase-out strategy.
• An inter-federal compensation fund for health and environment.
• Faster measures than the current EU timetable.

The proposal is expected in the coming weeks.

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5th September 2025

In the wake of the updated PFAS restriction proposal, today the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has provided an important update on the restriction process and timelines for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

• Scope of proposal: The restriction covers over 10,000 PFAS substances across multiple sectors including Textiles, Footwear, Ski Wax and Technical Textiles.
• Consultation outcome: Over 5,600 responses were received during the six-month consultation, representing industry, NGOs, academia, authorities, and citizens. (including FESI input)
• Updated Background Document: Following these contributions, the dossier submitters (Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden) have updated their report. This was submitted to ECHA on 24 June 2025 and is now publicly available since the 20 August 2025.
• Evaluation focus: RAC and SEAC are continuing their evaluations for the 14 original sectors, PFAS manufacturing, and horizontal issues. While 8 additional sectors were identified during the consultation, these will not be assessed separately due to timing constraints. Instead, their aspects will be reflected under horizontal issues (e.g., hazard assessment, emission monitoring, and management measures).
• Next steps and timeline:
  
  • RAC and SEAC aim to conclude discussions on the 14 sectors, PFAS manufacturing, and horizontal issues by end of 2025.
  • First half of 2026: A 60-days consultation will be held on the SEAC draft opinion.
  • 2026: ECHA plans to deliver the final RAC opinion and SEAC opinion to the European Commission.
• Rough estimation timeline for applicability:
  
  • Once ECHA delivers its opinions, the European Commission drafts a restriction proposal.
  • Adoption usually takes ~1 year, since it requires scrutiny by Member States and the European Parliament/Council. But in this case, we know the Commission “plans on accelerating the process”. Little visibility about the timeline.
  • That means the restriction text could be adopted by mid/late 2027.
  • Once published in the Official Journal of the EU, restrictions typically enter into force 20 days later.
  • That would place the entry into force around end of 2027 / very early 2028.
  • If an 18-month transition period applies for FESI member products (which is common for broad restrictions): The restriction would begin to apply to members around mid-2029. (except for potential derogations)

The European Commission has confirmed its commitment, via the Chemicals Industry Action Plan (8 July 2025), to act swiftly once the opinions are received, with the objective of minimising PFAS emissions across the EU/EEA.

We will continue to monitor developments and share further updates with you as the consultation on SEAC’s draft opinion approaches in 2026.

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