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) 2026/859 amends Annex XVII to REACH by adding a new restriction on 2,4-dinitrotoluene in articles. The restriction limits the manufacture, placing on the market, and use of this substance. Companies manufacturing or importing articles containing 2,4-dinitrotoluene must assess compliance with the new restriction conditions.
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.
The EU Restrictions Roadmap was amended on 27 June 2025 to include PPD (p-Phenylenediamine) in Pool 0, indicating an intention to prepare a restriction dossier. This signals that a formal REACH Annex XVII restriction proposal for PPD is planned. Companies using PPD should monitor developments as restriction proceedings may begin.
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.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/660 of 1 April 2025 amends Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH). This regulation introduces changes to the restrictions list, requiring compliance teams to review affected substance entries and update compliance programs accordingly.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/660 amends Annex XVII to REACH by establishing restrictions on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in clay targets used in shooting sports. Clay targets containing PAHs above specified concentration limits will be prohibited from being placed on the EU market. This restriction addresses environmental contamination risks from PAH releases at shooting ranges, which can contaminate soil and water systems.
The European Commission has published Version 1 of the Explanatory Guide for the REACH restriction of synthetic polymer microparticles (Entry 78 of Annex XVII). The guide provides comprehensive explanations of the restriction scope, definitions, transitional periods, derogations, and reporting obligations under Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055. It clarifies that suppliers of medicinal products containing synthetic polymer microparticles derogated under Paragraph 4(b) are subject to reporting requirements from May 31, 2027, with annual reporting thereafter for uses and emissions data.
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.
The European Commission has published updated Explanatory Guidance for implementing the synthetic polymer microparticles (SPM) restriction under Entry 78 of Annex XVII. The guidance clarifies reporting obligations, including requirements for medicinal products containing SPM from 31 May 2027, transitional periods for seeds coated with plant protection products (8 years), and detailed Q&A on scope definitions and derogations.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/1328 amends Entry 70 of REACH Annex XVII to restrict octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4, CAS 556-67-2), decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5, CAS 541-02-6), and dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6, CAS 540-97-6). From June 6, 2026, these substances shall not be placed on the market as a substance on its own, as a constituent of other substances, or in mixtures in a concentration equal to or greater than 0.1% by weight. They shall also not be used as a solvent for dry cleaning of textiles, leather, and fur.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1464 adds Entry 77 to REACH Annex XVII restricting formaldehyde (CAS No 50-00-0, EC No 200-001-8) and formaldehyde-releasing substances in articles. From August 6, 2026, articles cannot be placed on the market if formaldehyde release exceeds 0.062 mg/m³ for furniture and wood-based articles or 0.080 mg/m³ for other articles. Vehicle interior emission limits (0.062 mg/m³) apply from August 6, 2027. Exemptions apply to articles with naturally occurring formaldehyde, outdoor-exclusive articles, biocidal products, medical devices, and PPE.