Unpacking 5 600 comments on PFAS restriction: Risk Assessment and Socio-Economic Analysis Committee highlights

Safer Chemicals Podcast

Welcome to the Safer Chemicals Podcast. Join host Adam Elwan as he delves into the work of the European Chemicals Agency's scientific committees. In this episode, we talk about the record number of comments received for the proposed restriction of PFAS and the harmonised classification of tea tree oil.

Discover the unprecedented public engagement as we explore the analysis of over 5 600 comments received on the proposed PFAS restriction. Our experts, Roberto Scazzola and Maria Ottati, shed light on the extensive input from various sectors, offering insights into the diverse perspectives and key concerns highlighted by industry experts and individuals alike.

From electronic and semiconductor industries to discussions on cosmetics and textiles, we dig deeper into the breadth of feedback received and its potential impact on regulatory decisions.

Stay tuned as the Risk Assessment Committee addresses the evaluation of tea tree oil, discussing its potential impact on various sectors including fragrances, cosmetics, and plant protection products.

Join us for a deep dive into the world of chemical oversight, scientific opinions, and the profound impact of public input on shaping regulatory decisions. Subscribe to stay updated on our upcoming episodes covering crucial findings and insights on chemical regulations and safety.

What the committees do

The two committees prepare scientific opinions that are used by the European Commission and EU Member States when deciding how chemical risks need to be controlled. They are made up of scientists from EU Member States and have observers from EU organisations that represent different sectors and interests.

Useful links

• Episode transcript
• More episodes on the committees for risk assessment and socio-economic analysis
• Give us feedback

More

• Highlights from November RAC and SEAC meetings - ECHA news, 7 December 2023
• Agenda of RAC’s meeting [PDF] [EN]
• Agenda of SEAC’s meeting [PDF] [EN]
• REACH restriction process
• Harmonised classification and labelling
• Risk Assessment Committee
• Socio-Economic Analysis Committee

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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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Chapters

1. Overview of PFAS restriction comments (00:01:04)

2. PFAS restriction comments: what sectors and which countries gave input (00:03:29)

3. What did the PFAS restriction comments cover? (Technical function, derogations,...) (00:04:19)

4. What are the next steps in analysing the PFAS restriction comments? (00:05:30)

5. How do the REACH restriction consultations benefit the work of the committees? (00:07:26)

6. How does ECHA ensure all relevant stakeholders and potential contributors are aware of upcoming consultations on restrictions? (00:09:11)

7. What are the next steps in the evaluation of the PFAS restriction comments? (00:10:58)

8. Harmonised classification of tea tree oil: background and scope (00:12:43)

9. Harmonised classification of tea tree oil: proposal and committee conclusion (00:14:44)

10. Harmonised classification of tea tree oil: impact of classification and timelines for implementation (00:16:12)