At their June 2025 meetings, the Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) made key decisions on chemical safety, focusing on PFAS restrictions, occupational exposure to Bisphenol A (BPA), and REACH authorisation processes.
Key Highlights:
** PFAS Restriction Progress
* RAC and SEAC reached provisional conclusions on PFAS uses in:
- Medical devices
- Lubricants (RAC)
- Transport (SEAC)
* Future sectors for review (September and beyond) include:
- Electronics and semiconductors
- PFAS manufacturing
- Horizontal issues (e.g., enforceability, limits, methods)
- Energy (SEAC continuation)
** Chromium(VI) Restriction
* RAC and SEAC confirmed ECHA’s proposal for certain chromium(VI) substances meets REACH Annex XV criteria.
* A six-month consultation began on 18 June 2025.
** Bisphenol A (BPA) Occupational Exposure Limit (OEL)
* RAC adopted an opinion recommending an OEL of 24 µg/m³ to protect workers, particularly from BPA’s effects on fertility.
* Additional recommendation: include a legislative statement to protect unborn and breastfed children.
* RAC flagged that the same limit may be insufficient for related bisphenols (BPS, BPF, BPAF), indicating possible future regulatory tightening.
** Harmonised Classification and Labelling
* RAC adopted 10 classification and labelling opinions, including for Talc, Burgeonal, and Cyclamal.
* Delays in publication noted due to workload; corrective measures underway.
** Applications for Authorisation
* RAC agreed on 10 draft opinions, SEAC on 8, and both committees adopted 3 final opinions.
These outcomes reflect accelerating EU regulatory action on high-risk substances and signal forthcoming compliance obligations for industries using PFAS, bisphenols, and other hazardous chemicals. Stakeholders should monitor upcoming consultations and sector-specific evaluations closely.
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