PFAS restriction proposal: Closer look at ECHA committees' latest opinions

In this episode of the safer chemicals podcast, we take a more detailed look at the committees’ opinions on the proposed restriction of PFAS in Europe. Host Adam Elwan speaks with Roberto Scazzola, Chair of the Committee for Risk Assessment, about the committee’s adopted opinion on PFAS, what it concludes and why persistence remains such a central concern. He is also joined by Maria Ottati, Chair of the Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis, to discuss the committee’s draft opinion, including the key socio-economic considerations, the role of derogations and the questions that will now be explored further through consultation.

The discussion covers how the committees approached issues such as grouping, fluoropolymers, volatile PFAS and fluorinated gases, as well as what is known about emissions across sectors in Europe. It also explains where the biggest uncertainties remain, what information the committees are still seeking, and what happens next as the process moves forward.

The episode also briefly covers two additional topics discussed by the committees in March: the harmonised classification proposal for cannabidiol and the latest progress on the restriction proposal for chromium(VI) substances.

Useful links

• ECHA supports PFAS restriction with targeted derogations - ECHA news, 26 March 2026

• Consultation on SEAC PFAS draft opinion - guidance for respondents - ECHA webinar, 30 October 2025

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Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication.

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