Highlights from March RAC and SEAC meetings

ECHA/NR/25/09

The Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) progressed their evaluation of the proposed restriction on PFAS. Additionally, RAC adopted 13 opinions on harmonised classification and labelling, including those for silver nitrate and synthetic amorphous silica.

Helsinki, 19 March 2025 – In their first meetings of 2025, RAC and SEAC continued evaluating the EU-wide proposal to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Both committees reached provisional conclusions for applications of fluorinated gases. Additionally, RAC reached provisional conclusions for transport and energy applications, while SEAC will continue discussing these areas in its June meeting.

The committees also announced the sectors they will evaluate in their upcoming meetings. For June, the tentative plan includes: 

• Medical devices (RAC and SEAC)
• Lubricants (RAC and SEAC)
• Transport (SEAC cont.)
• Energy (SEAC cont.)
• Electronics and semiconductors (introductory discussion in RAC)

After June, the committees will focus on:

• Electronics and semiconductors; and
• Remaining applications.

Harmonised classification and labelling

RAC adopted 13 opinions on harmonised classification and labelling. These opinions include those for:

• Silver nitrate: RAC recommends adding or modifying classifications in nine hazard classes, including a new classification for reproductive toxicity (in Cat. 1B for effects on both fertility and development) and for carcinogenicity (Cat. 2).
• Synthetic amorphous silica: RAC recommends introducing a harmonised classification as a substance causing damage to the respiratory tract through prolonged or repeated exposure by inhalation (STOT RE 1).

Applications for authorisation

RAC agreed on 17 and SEAC on six draft opinions on applications for authorisation. Additionally, RAC and SEAC adopted four opinions on applications for authorisation and three opinions on review reports.

More details about these opinions can be found in the annex. Listen also to our Safer Chemicals Podcast with the RAC Chair Roberto Scazzola and the Chair of SEAC, María Ottati.

Press contact: Hanna-Kaisa Torkkeli, [email protected], +358 50 416 8585