Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are currently undergoing a restriction process under the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) due to the growing and long-lasting risks they pose to human health and the environment. ECHA’s Risk Assessment Committee (RAC), in its final opinion, and the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC), in its draft opinion, both support an EU-wide restriction on the manufacture, placing on the market, and use of PFAS - subject to targeted derogations where justified. 

ECHA’s sector-specific assessments highlight areas directly relevant to sport, notably ski wax and textiles, including sportswear and professional apparel. The SEAC analysis indicates that PFAS use in ski wax can be phased out rapidly, with minimal costs and only limited performance impacts. For sportswear and related textiles, most applications can transition to available alternatives, although a small number of high-performance or protective uses may require temporary exemptions due to remaining technical constraints. 

The publication of SEAC’s draft opinion has triggered a 60-day consultation period with deadline on 25 May 2026, representing the final opportunity for stakeholders to provide input. Following this, SEAC will adopt its final opinion, which - together with RAC’s opinion - will be submitted to the European Commission. Based on these scientific assessments, the Commission will prepare a legislative proposal for discussion and vote in the REACH Committee, composed of EU Member States. The Q&A enables better understanding of the stakes and ongoing process.