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Apr 28, 2026 - Cosmetics

ECHA launches new consultation on PFAS restriction - increasing demand for consulting for companies

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has launched a new public consultation on the planned restriction of PFAS chemicals. This is based on an initial assessment by the Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC), which is now to be supplemented by data and assessments from companies, associations, and experts worldwide. Contributions can be submitted via a structured online questionnaire by May 25, 2026.

The original restriction proposal was submitted in January 2023 by Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden. Following an initial consultation round with more than 5,000 responses, ECHA published a revised version in August 2025, taking additional industrial sectors into account.

Broad Survey of the Industry

The current consultation includes a total of 15 questionnaires, including 14 industry-specific surveys - such as for cosmetics, textiles, food contact materials, and electronics - as well as a general questionnaire for other industries. The focus is particularly on:

Availability and technical feasibility of alternatives to PFAS
Economic impacts on companies, including employment and profits
Costs for risk management measures and reporting obligations
ECHA points out that all information must be entered directly into the questionnaires; separate attachments are not permitted. However, confidential information can be marked accordingly.

Decision Expected by End of 2026

The data received as part of the consultation will be incorporated into the final assessment of the SEAC. The final opinion is expected by the end of 2026 and will subsequently be submitted to the European Commission. The Commission will then develop concrete restrictions, which the EU member states will vote on in the REACH Committee.

Importance for the Industry and Laboratory Service Providers

The planned far-reaching regulation of PFAS is likely to pose new challenges, particularly for the cosmetics and chemical industries. Companies will increasingly need to prove whether their products contain PFAS or can use corresponding alternatives. This increases the demand for sound analytics, toxicological evaluation, and regulatory consultation.

Here, specialized testing laboratories and consulting service providers such as the BAV Institute can play a central role. By combining microbiological and chemical analytics with comprehensive regulatory affairs expertise, the institute supports companies in ensuring product conformity, adapting safety assessments, and efficiently implementing regulatory requirements.

With the ongoing consultation, it is already becoming apparent that PFAS will become one of the central issues of European chemicals regulation in the coming years - with a correspondingly growing need for specialized testing and consulting services.

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