On March 18, 2026, ECHA (the European Chemicals Agency) provided an update on the latest meeting of its Scientific Committees. Topics of interest to the cosmetics industry included: progress on the proposed restrictions on PFAS and Octocrylene, and opinions on the harmonized classification and labeling of several substances, including Cannabidiol.
PFAS
The RAC (Risk Assessment Committee) concluded its evaluation of the REACH restriction proposal submitted in January 2023 by Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. RAC adopted its opinion drawing on an extensive and independent evaluation of PFAS hazards, volumes, emissions, risks and the likely effectiveness of a restriction as well as its practicality, including enforceability, and monitorability.
The SEAC (Socio-Economic Analysis Committee) also agreed on its draft opinion. It will be subject to a 60-day consultation. SEAC is expected to adopt its final opinion by the end of 2026.
Octocrylene
In February, RAC, and in March, SEAC discussed their second draft opinions on a restriction proposal that was submitted by France in July 2025.
RAC is expected to adopt its opinion in June 2026, and the 60-day stakeholder consultation on SEAC’s draft opinion is expected to begin soon after the draft opinion has been agreed at the Committee’s June meeting.
Following this step, SEAC is expected to adopt its final opinion in September 2026.
CLH classifications
Acetyl Hexamethyl Tetralin
Germany has proposed to classify it as follows.
• Repr.1B, H360Df - May damage the unborn child. Suspected of damaging fertility.
• STOT …
