The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has updated its proposal to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) after receiving more than 5,600 comments from stakeholders across industries.
The agency plans to launch a consultation on the draft of the opinion of its Committee for Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) on the proposed European Union-wide restriction of PFAS, following the committee’s meeting in March 2026.
Updates to the proposal include several parameters for textile products, such as an exemption from restrictions for up to 13.5 years for textiles with recycled content. Personal protective equipment, which includes gear for first responders and military, also will be subject to time-limited exemptions.
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The agency does not include any exemptions for outdoor technical textiles, noting that there are ample PFAS-free alternatives available that offer similar performance capabilities.
The ECHA will open a consultation period for feedback on the proposed changes in advance of the March 2026 meeting. Stakeholders will be able to contribute their opinions on the potential impacts of restricting use of PFAS via a structured survey format. The agency will hold an online information session on Oct. 30 that will include consultation guidelines and more details about providing feedback.
“Stakeholders are encouraged to prepare in advance and to participate in this consultation to ensure that SEAC’s final opinion on the restriction proposal is scientifically robust and fit for purpose,” the agency said in a statement.
The proposal to restrict PFAS in the EU was prepared by authorities in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden and submitted to ECHA in January 2023. The proposal aims to reduce PFAS emissions into the environment and make products and processes safer for people.
PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment. Commonly used for water-, oil- and stain-resistance in textiles, some of the chemicals belonging to this class have been associated with negative health effects such as birth defects and cancer.
After reviewing consultation feedback, SEAC is expected to adopt its final opinion by the end of 2026. This decision also will hinge on ECHA committees’ scientific evaluation of the proposed restriction, which was announced last month.
