What are PFAS restrictions under EU law?

Dutch term: PFAS-beperkingen | Legal basis: REACH Regulation + proposed universal restriction

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of synthetic chemicals used across a wide range of industrial and consumer products for their water-, grease- and heat-resistant properties. A universal EU restriction on PFAS is under consideration under the REACH Regulation, proposed by five EU member states (including the Netherlands) and currently under evaluation by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

If adopted, the universal restriction would be one of the broadest substance restrictions in the history of EU chemicals regulation, covering thousands of substances and affecting virtually every manufacturing sector. Sector-specific derogations and transition periods are expected, but the scope of the proposal has significant implications for product design, material sourcing and supply chain compliance.

Why it matters for international businesses

For manufacturers and importers of products containing PFAS (textiles, electronics, packaging, cookware, automotive components, construction materials), monitoring the ECHA restriction process and preparing alternative sourcing strategies is a current compliance priority.