What are PFAS?
The large family of synthetic substances is characterized by the presence of carbon-fluorine bonds, which are among the strongest chemical bonds in organic chemistry.
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) remain a major regulatory priority in the European Union due to their extreme persistence, potential bioaccumulation, and long-term risks to human health and the environment.
That is why PFAS Chemicals are strictly regulated and compliance is required for human safety and the environmental protection.
Where can you find PFAS?
Thanks to their unique, desirable properties, like oil resistant and waterproof, PFAS chemicals can be found in a wide range of everyday products.
Many of them are widely used in the textile sector, some of them are surfactants and therefore used in products such as detergents, paints, ski wax and cosmetics.
Certain PFAS are used in firefighting foam for extinguishing fires.
Therefore, PFAS are used in different industries, which includes aerospace and defence, automotive, aviation, food contact materials, construction and household products, electronics, firefighting and medical articles.
PFAS properties and risks
PFAS may be released into the environment at any time during their lifecycle: from the manufacture of the substance, to the use of a product that contain PFAS, to the point of disposal as waste.
Emissions occur throughout their entire life cycle, from manufacturing and use to waste management; this is why they are called the “forever chemicals”.
Due to these characteristics, PFAS are considered an EU-wide risk.
PFAS are also mobile, they can disperse over long distances through air and water. This means that they can be detected long distances away from the source of their release (for example, in arctic environments).
Scientists and governments all over the world recognized PFAS risks and harmful effects (particularly long-chain PFAS) on human health and the environment.
Over the long term, global manufacturers have started to replace certain PFAS with other PFAS or with fluorine-free substances to mitigate health concerns and environmental risks.
REACH restriction proposal
In January 2023, authorities from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden submitted a comprehensive restriction proposal to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The proposal now covers more than 10,000 PFAS substances used across a wide range of sectors, from consumer products and cosmetics to industrial applications such as electronics, batteries, and medical devices.
The core objective of the initiative is the sharp reduction of PFAS emissions throughout their entire life cycle, manufacture, use, and end-of-life, while allowing time-limited derogations where suitable alternatives are not yet available.
In November 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published a progress update on the ongoing EU restriction process for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
ECHA decisions over PFAS in 2026
ECHA’s scientific committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) are carrying out an in-depth, evidence-based evaluation of the proposal using a sector-based approach. This ensures that the specific risks, uses, and socio-economic impacts of PFAS are assessed in detail for each application area.
For instance, provisional conclusions have so far been drawn for several industries, including consumer products, cosmetics, metal plating, oil and mining, electronics, and semiconductors, as well as PFAS manufacturing. Horizontal issues such as concentration limits, enforceability, monitoring, recycling, spare parts, and PFAS management plans are also being assessed across each sector.
RAC is expected to adopt its final opinion on the PFAS restriction in March 2026, while SEAC will agree on a draft opinion that will be subject to a public stakeholder consultation. These committees also addressed cross-cutting issues applicable to the entire restriction, covering areas such as concentration limits, PFAS management plans, recycling, parts, enforceability, monitoring, and whether the proposed restriction is considered the most appropriate risk management measure.
The final decision on the restriction will be taken by the European Commission in consultation with EU Member States, following the completion of RAC and SEAC opinions. Regardless of the final regulatory outcome, PFAS management is clearly becoming a long-term compliance and sustainability issue for many industries.
Find out how the latest chemicals regulation shape the industry and how to stay compliant here!
