EPRS publishes a Briefing Paper on PFAS

Recommendation

Thursday, 3 September 2026 9 .00 - 17.00 h

Reference Standards - Live Online Training
Establishment, Use and Maintenance of Analytical Reference Substances

On 14 July 2026, the European Parliamentary Research Service (EPRS) published a comprehensive briefing on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This document is intended to provide the representatives with a factual basis for their forthcoming policy decisions on PFAS regulation. It summarises the current state of scientific knowledge, as well as the relevant regulations and procedures.

Level of evidence (EPRS classification)

PFAS are difficult to degrade due to their stable carbon-fluorine bonds (they are known as ‘forever chemicals’) and have been detected worldwide in soil, water, food, wildlife and humans, amongst other things.

There is ongoing discussion regarding the links between individual PFAS and certain types of cancer, liver and thyroid disorders, immune system impairments, and reproductive toxicity. At the same time, it is emphasised that very little toxicological data is currently available for the vast majority of the more than 10,000 known PFAS.

Status in the EU procedure (ECHA)

The restriction proposal submitted in 2023 (DE, DK, NL, NO, SE) would, in principle, prohibit the manufacture, placing on the market and use of PFAS. However, it provides transition periods and sector-specific exemptions for applications where no suitable alternatives are currently available. The EPRS also provides an update on the status of proceedings at ECHA: the RAC statement was adopted on 3 March 2026, and the draft of the SEAC statement was agreed on 10 March. The final SEAC statement is expected by the end of 2026.

The European Commission will then present a specific regulatory proposal for further discussion. The guidelines on critical/essential applications are particularly relevant to industry: Exemptions for strategically important sectors (including medical devices and medicines) will be considered where no alternatives are available, but only if strict requirements regarding emissions reduction and PFAS management are met.

The briefing highlights the key conflict of objectives:

Reducing environmental and health risks through far-reaching restrictions.
Taking strategic industrial sectors into account while simultaneously safeguarding critical applications.