Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/1168 of 1 June 2026 amends Annex XVII to REACH Regulation. The regulation modifies Entry 78 concerning synthetic polymer microparticles restrictions. Compliance teams should review the amendment to understand any changes to scope, transitional periods, or compliance obligations for microplastic-containing products.
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has announced updates to EU REACH Annex XVII restrictions involving PFHxA-related substances and 2,4-Dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT). The updates introduce new restrictions and compliance obligations for products and materials containing these substances within the European Union market. The PFHxA restriction, effective October 2026, targets PFHxA, its salts, and related substances due to concerns regarding environmental persistence and human exposure. The 2,4-DNT restriction, effective May 10, 2027, introduces additional controls on the use and placing on the market of this hazardous chemical substance
Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/1988 adds Entry 82 to Annex XVII, restricting PFAS in firefighting foams. PFAS is defined as any substance containing at least one fully fluorinated methyl (CF3) or methylene (CF2) carbon atom. The restriction prohibits PFAS at concentrations ≥1 mg/L. Operational and labeling obligations begin October 23, 2026 - PFAS foams may only be used for Class B fires, with emissions reduction requirements and separate collection of unused stock. Full prohibition takes effect October 23, 2030. PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS covered under the POPs Regulation and certain PFHxA-related substances are exempted from this restriction.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/1731 amends Annex XVII to REACH by adding 16 new CMR (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or Reproductive Toxic) Category 1B substances to Appendices 2, 4, and 6. The substances include Diuron, Tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA), 4-Methylimidazole, Bisphenol AF, and various dibutyltin compounds and phosphine oxide derivatives. The simplified procedure under Article 68(2) of REACH was used for these consumer article restrictions. Companies placing these substances in consumer articles must comply with concentration limits ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 ppm depending on CMR classification.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/1090 amends Annex XVII to REACH by adding restrictions on N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC) and 1-ethylpyrrolidin-2-one (NEP). These solvents are subject to new restriction conditions for manufacture, use and placing on the market to protect human health.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/660 amends Annex XVII Entry 50 to extend PAH content limits to clay targets (clay pigeons) used in sports shooting. The regulation addresses the presence of PAHs in binders used in clay targets, adding restrictions for their placing on the market to protect human health and the environment.
Under Entry 78 of Annex XVII REACH (microplastics restriction), suppliers who supply synthetic polymer microparticles to professional users or the general public must comply with annual reporting obligations starting 31 May 2027. The first report covers uses and emissions from January to December 2026, with yearly reporting thereafter.