Broad REACH PFAS restriction proposal
Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden submitted a broad PFAS restriction proposal in 2023. In 2026, ECHA's Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) adopted its opinion and the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) published a draft opinion for consultation. SEAC's final opinion was expected by the end of 2026. The broad restriction therefore remained in the opinion-development process as of 22 October 2026.
Firefighting foams
The European Commission adopted a separate PFAS restriction for firefighting foams in October 2025. It starts to apply from 23 October 2026, with sector-specific transition periods and conditions for continuing uses.
PFHxA restrictions
Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2462 introduced PFHxA restrictions for specified firefighting-foam uses from 10 April 2026. From 10 October 2026, the restriction also applies to certain consumer clothing and footwear, food-contact paper and board, consumer mixtures and cosmetics, subject to concentration thresholds, exceptions and transitional provisions. Further requirements apply on later dates. Always check the legal text for the exact product and use.
Why status labels matter
A proposed broad PFAS restriction is not the same as an adopted restriction. PFAS Market therefore separates adopted law, effective dates, transition periods and committee opinions.