In this episode of the safer chemicals podcast, we take a more detailed look at the committees’ opinions on the proposed restriction of PFAS in Europe. Host Adam Elwan speaks with Roberto Scazzola, Chair of the Committee for Risk Assessment, about the committee’s adopted opinion on PFAS, what it concludes and why persistence remains such a central concern. He is also joined by Maria Ottati, Chair of the Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis, to discuss the committee’s draft opinion, including the key socio-economic considerations, the role of derogations and the questions that will now be explored further through consultation.

The discussion covers how the committees approached issues such as grouping, fluoropolymers, volatile PFAS and fluorinated gases, as well as what is known about emissions across sectors in Europe. It also explains where the biggest uncertainties remain, what information the committees are still seeking, and what happens next as the process moves forward.

The episode also briefly covers two additional topics discussed by the committees in March: the harmonised classification proposal for cannabidiol and the latest progress on the restriction proposal for chromium(VI) substances.

Useful links

• ECHA supports PFAS restriction with targeted derogations - ECHA news, 26 March 2026

• Consultation on SEAC PFAS draft opinion - guidance for respondents - ECHA webinar, 30 October 2025

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Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication.

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This episode of our Safer Chemicals Podcast focuses on the Biocidal Product Committee’s (BPC) conclusion on the use of the active substance ethanol. The BPC supports its approval for use in hand and general disinfectants (product-types 1, 2 and 4) but does not take a position on whether ethanol should be considered a carcinogenic or reprotoxic substance.

Listen to the Committee Chair Joost van Galen telling what led to this opinion, what it means in practice and what will happen next.

ECHA’s Biocidal Products Committee meets to prepare scientific opinions for the European Commission on biocidal active substances and on EU-wide authorisations of biocidal products. The Commission takes final decisions based on these opinions.

Useful links:

ECHA’s Biocides Committee supports approval of ethanol in disinfectants - ECHA news, 24 February 2026

Highlights from February Biocidal Products Committee meeting - ECHA news, 4 March 2026

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Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication.

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In this episode, we deconstruct the outcomes of the December meetings of the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) and the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC).

Topics include:

• Universal PFAS restriction proposal: The interviewees break down the latest discussions on the proposal, with a particular focus on PFAS manufacturing and the so-called “horizontal issues” that cut across all sectors. The SEAC's approaches to alternatives analysis, cost-benefit considerations, and proportionality are discussed, with special attention on the unique aspects of PFAS manufacturing.

• Sector-specific insights: The episode reviews the committees’ conclusions on all 14 sectors, with a spotlight on SEAC's discussions on the complex electronics and semiconductor sector.

• Next steps and stakeholder consultation: Listeners are guided through the upcoming consultation on SEAC's draft opinion, including how stakeholders can contribute, and the importance of providing targeted, relevant information to inform the final opinion.

• Milestone in chemical classification: The episode also marks a milestone for the Risk Assessment Committee: the first classification opinion using new hazard classes under the revised CLP regulation.

Useful links

• December highlights from RAC and SEAC

• ECHA webinar: Consultation on PFAS draft opinion: Guidance for respondents

• Give us feedback

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Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.