ECHA News

REACH CLP Highlights from March RAC and SEAC meetings

ECHA has published highlights from the March meetings of the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) and the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC). These highlights cover discussions and opinions related to REACH and CLP regulations, including a draft opinion on a PFAS restriction proposal.

ECHA Publications: PFAS Opinions and Biocidal Products Committee Highlights

ECHA has published new updates including opinions on a PFAS restriction proposal from its Risk Assessment Committee and Socio-Economic Analysis Committee. Additionally, highlights from the February Biocidal Products Committee meeting are available, detailing adopted opinions on active substances and authorisations.

ECHA Committee Draft Opinion on PFAS Restriction

The European Chemicals Agency's Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) has agreed its draft opinion on a proposal to restrict all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the EU. The draft opinion will be published for a 60-day public consultation.

ECHA Updates Annual Evaluation Statistics

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has updated its statistics on chemical evaluation progress, reporting on compliance checks conducted between 2009 and 2025. The agency checked the compliance of over 30% of substances registered before 2019 at volumes of at least 100 tonnes per year, aiming to ensure reliable hazard data and chemical safety.

ECHA Risk Assessment Committee Adopts PFAS Restriction Opinion

The European Chemicals Agency's Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) has adopted its opinion on a proposal to restrict all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) across the EU/EEA. This opinion is a key step in the regulatory process, with the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) expected to release its draft opinion soon.

ECHA Biocidal Products Committee Opinions on Active Substances and Authorisations

The European Chemicals Agency's Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) adopted six opinions on active substances and two on Union authorisations in its February 2026 meeting. These opinions concern substances like ethanol, DMDMH, hydrochloric acid, C(M)IT/MIT, and peracetic acid, impacting various product types. The European Commission will make the final decisions.

Biocides Committee supports ethanol approval for disinfectants

ECHA's Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) has supported the approval of ethanol for use in human hygiene, general, and food/feed area disinfectants. The committee did not conclude on ethanol's carcinogenic or reprotoxic properties due to data limitations and the nature of existing evidence.