We would like to inform you about a recent development in the European regulatory landscape concerning per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

On 31 January 2026, the European Court of Auditors (ECA) published an update outlining an ongoing audit of the European Union’s approach to PFAS regulation. The audit aims to assess whether current EU measures adequately protect public health and the environment from the wide-ranging risks posed by PFAS substances. PFAS are highly persistent in the environment and have been linked to immune-system effects, organ damage, and certain cancers. Their persistence and ubiquity make this a significant challenge for policymakers.

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Key Points from the ECA Update

• The ECA is reviewing EU action on PFAS, including how member states apply food safety controls and monitor PFAS levels in drinking water and other media.
• The audit will assess whether existing EU limits are sufficiently protective in light of current scientific evidence.
• The auditors are expected to complete their report by the end of 2026.
• This work is happening against the backdrop of anticipated new restrictions on PFAS manufacture and use at EU level.

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Status of the PFAS Restriction Proposal

The restriction of PFAS is being examined under the EU’s REACH Regulation framework. An updated PFAS restriction proposal has been under review by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and its scientific committees:

• An Annex XV restriction dossier was submitted by several Member States and has since been updated following a broad public consultation.
• The updated proposal covers thousands of PFAS substances and expands the scope of application.
• The evaluation process by ECHA’s scientific committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) is ongoing, with a draft opinion available for 60-day consultation in March 2026.
• Once ECHA’s committees complete their reviews, the European Commission will decide on a final restriction measure, in consultation with Member States.

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Next Steps

• The ECA audit will conclude by the end of 2026 and may inform future legislative changes.
• ECHA’s committees are also expected to finalise their opinions on the restriction proposal by the end of 2026.
• The Commission’s final decision on PFAS restrictions is likely to follow in 2027.

We will continue to monitor developments closely and keep you updated on any changes that could impact our industry and members’ operations.