EU Advances PFAS Restriction And Chemical Reclassification

The EU) has taken major steps toward restricting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and updating chemical classifications under the CLP Regulation. During its March 2025 meetings, ECHA’s Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) Committees reached provisional conclusions on PFAS use in fluorinated gases, transport, and energy applications. Additionally, 13 substances received revised classifications, affecting manufacturers across multiple industries.

PFAS Restrictions: Key Developments

ECHA’s committees continue their scientific evaluation of the PFAS restriction proposal, addressing sector-specific impacts. Key updates include:

Fluorinated gases – RAC and SEAC have provisionally concluded their evaluations.Transport sector – RAC has issued provisional conclusions, while SEAC will continue discussions in June 2025.Energy sector – RAC has made provisional conclusions; SEAC’s assessment continues in June 2025.Upcoming discussions (June 2025) – SEAC will evaluate medical devices, lubricants, and electronics & semiconductors.

The five national authorities behind the PFAS restriction proposal (Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden) are revising their Background Document based on consultation feedback. Once finalised, ECHA will deliver its opinions to the European Commission and Member States for a formal decision.

Harmonised Classification And Labelling: Significant Changes For Key Substances

RAC has adopted 13 opinions on harmonised classification under the CLP Regulation, which introduces critical regulatory changes for several widely used substances:

Silver nitrate (CAS 7761-88-8) – Now classified under Reproductive Toxicity Category 1B and Carcinogenicity Category 2.Synthetic amorphous silica (CAS 112945-52-5) – Newly classified as STOT RE 1 (causing respiratory damage through inhalation).Nitromethane (CAS 75-52-5) & Nitroethane (CAS 79-24-3) – Now flagged for acute toxicity and reproductive risks.Metam-sodium (CAS 137-42-8) & Clethodim (CAS 99129-21-2) – Updated for aquatic toxicity and chronic exposure concerns.