Movement on the ECHA basic regulation and PFAS restriction. 

European chemicals policy remains in motion, even if key reform projects continue to be stalled. While the comprehensive revision of the REACH Regulation remains politically controversial, other important dossiers are gaining increasing momentum. In particular, concrete progress is emerging with regard to the ECHA basic regulation as well as the restriction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). 

REACH Regulation remains politically blocked 

The revision of the REACH Regulation, which governs the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals, remains politically controversial. For months, the chemical industry has been advocating vis-a-vis political decision-makers for a focus on more efficient and smarter implementation rather than a fundamental overhaul of the existing legal framework. From its perspective, many of the intended changes could also be implemented at the level of secondary legislation, for example, through adjustments in the comitology procedure. 

Germany has also clearly spoken out against a fundamental revision of the regulation in its Chemicals Agenda 2045. Neither a comprehensive reform nor targeted amendments, for example in the context of an omnibus procedure, are supported. However, the federal government calls for targeted relief measures, for instance, with regard to deadlines, information requirements, the digitalisation of substance dossiers as well as testing methods and procedures.

ECHA: strengthening role and mandate 

Despite the deadlock on the fundamental REACH revision, progress is being made in other key dossiers related to the regulation. In mid-April, the European Parliament’s Committee on the Environment, Climate and Food Safety (ENVI) adopted its report on the ECHA basic regulation by a large majority. Members of Parliament are calling in particular for more resources and capacities for ECHA in order to meet growing regulatory requirements. At the same time, the agency’s governance and financing structures are to be more clearly defined and separated from the REACH Regulation.

In addition, the committee advocates for reliable and sufficient funding based both on fees and on EU budget resources. Greater transparency and independence in scientific work, as well as strengthening the agency’s ability to take on future tasks in the context of further reforms, are also key points.

Occupational safety is gaining importance 

Furthermore, ECHA is to expand its scientific and technical support across different areas of legislation. In addition to REACH, this includes frameworks on biocides, persistent organic pollutants, as well as the import and export of hazardous chemicals. In the area of occupational safety and health, the European Commission had already proposed strengthening the role of the scientific work of the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) in the setting of occupational exposure limits. 

In its amendments, ENVI emphasises that, alongside a high level of protection for people and the environment, occupational safety also plays a central role. This is also reflected in the composition of the Management Board, which is responsible, among other things, for overseeing the agency’s activities and appointing RAC members, and which focuses on strategic planning. In this context, ENVI highlights that, among the persons representing interested parties from trade unions, those with expertise in occupational safety and health should be given greater consideration.

Trilogue negotiations with the European Commission and the Council, which already agreed on its general approach at the end of 2025, can begin once the plenary has voted on the ENVI report. 

PFAS restrictions: scientific assessment progressing 

ECHA is working intensively to complete the scientific analyses in the PFAS restriction procedure by the end of the year. One of the two responsible committees, the RAC, presented its opinion in March. In it, the committee concludes that PFAS pose significant risks to human health and the environment. Due to their extreme persistence, they remain in the environment for long periods, spread widely, and can contaminate soils and groundwater. Some substances are also linked to serious health effects such as cancer or reproductive impairments. 

According to the RAC, existing regulatory measures are not sufficient to effectively control these risks. The committee therefore recommends additional measures to reduce emissions, in particular for uses that may fall under possible exemptions. These include site-specific management plans, emissions monitoring, improved communication along the supply chain, clear consumer labelling, as well as reporting obliga

SEAC advocates for an EU-wide approach with exemptions 

The Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) also generally supports an EU-wide restriction on the manufacture, placing on the market and use of PFAS, albeit with targeted exemptions. In its draft opinion, SEAC emphasises the need for a harmonised EU approach in order to avoid distortions of competition in the internal market. At the same time, it supports exemptions where no suitable alternatives are available and where a cost-benefit assessment justifies them. 

Stakeholders can submit comments on the SEAC draft until 25 May. ECHA plans to present the final opinion by the end of 2026. The European Commission will then analyse the scientific input and develop a restriction proposal.