The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published the next steps for the proposal to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council concerning the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH). The ECHA’s scientific committees for Risk Assessment and for Socio-Economic Analysis will evaluate the proposed restriction together with the comments from the consultation in batches, focusing on the different sectors that may be affected. The five national authorities who prepared the proposal, are additionally updating their initial report to address the consultation comments. This updated report will then be assessed by the committees and will serve as the foundation for their opinions.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published an update confirming that its scientific committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) aim to deliver final opinions on the proposed restriction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) by 2026. RAC and SEAC plan to conclude their evaluations of the 14 sectors covered by the original restriction proposal, PFAS manufacturing and horizontal issues by the end of 2025. Eight additional sectors have been assessed and included in the updated Background Document received by ECHA on 24 June 2025, but will not be evaluated separately. Horizontal issues will address hazard assessment and risk management measures of general applicability, such as reporting requirements and PFAS management plans. The final opinions and Background Document is set to be submitted to the European Commission to support decision-making.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published an updated Key Areas of Regulatory Challenge report, identifying three new regulatory science research priorities. These include: (1) environmental impacts of chemicals at ecosystem level, to strengthen links between risk assessment, biodiversity protection and socio-economic decision-making; (2) mobility of persistent substances, including the need for improved methods and models to identify contaminants that can spread widely in water systems and (3) resistance to biocides, requiring harmonised methods to assess risks and maintain the effectiveness of treatments. ECHA calls for targeted research to address gaps in environmental risk assessment and support evidence-based decisions on EU chemical safety. The Executive Director of ECHA, Dr Sharon McGuinness, also announced the establishment of a new Science Council to align scientific efforts with regulatory needs.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published an updated proposal to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under REACH regulation. The revision follows evaluation of over 5,600 scientific and technical comments and includes assessments for eight additional sectors not previously covered. The proposal introduces alternative restriction options that allow controlled manufacturing and use, rather than imposing a full ban. ECHA’s Risk Assessment and Socio-Economic Analysis committees are currently reviewing the proposal, with the final decision to be made by the European Commission in consultation with EU Member States.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published findings from its investigation into aromatic brominated flame retardants (ABFRs), highlighting significant environmental concerns. ECHA has identified non-polymeric ABFR additives as posing the highest environmental risks due to their persistence, bioaccumulation, and toxicity. The agency has pinpointed five substances of particular concern and 37 likely to be PBT. ECHA emphasises the need for a group approach in potential regulatory action, noting that some non-registered ABFRs have been detected in high concentrations environmentally. This investigation will inform the European Commission's decision on a possible restriction proposal under EU REACH.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is set to launch a consultation on the draft opinion of its Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) regarding a proposed EU-wide restriction on PFAS. Following SEAC’s provisional agreement on the draft at its March 2026 meeting, the consultation will begin shortly thereafter and remain open for 60 days. Using a structured survey format, stakeholders will provide feedback on the socio-economic impacts and the feasibility of alternatives to PFAS, while risk assessments remain under the separate evaluation of the Committee for Risk Assessment.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has issued a progress update on the evaluation of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) restriction proposal. ECHA and five European countries are reviewing over 5,600 comments received during consultation, identifying additional uses for assessment, and considering alternative restriction options beyond a full ban. The agency is evaluating the proportionality of these options for specific sectors, such as batteries and fuel cells, to inform the ongoing scientific committee evaluations.

The European Chemicals Agency's (ECHA) Enforcement Forum has agreed to a new REF-14 project to check that hazardous mixtures found in products, including air fresheners or electronic cigarettes, are correctly classified, labelled and packaged for consumer protection. Inspectors will examine if the suppliers of these products fulfil their duties under Regulation (EC) 1272/2008, the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation, including classification and labelling, and requirements for packaging and child resistant fastening. They will also examine the notifications to the poison centres and the safety data sheets of the mixtures. The REF-14 project will be prepared in 2025 and examinations are expected in 2026.

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)’s Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) has agreed its draft opinion on a proposed universal restriction covering all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The proposal seeks to restrict the manufacture, placing on the market and use of PFAS within the EU. The draft opinion, based on assessments of the socio-economic impact of a potential restriction and an analysis of available alternatives, will be published shortly for a 60-day consultation. ECHA’s Risk Assessment Committee adopted its final opinion on 2 March 2026. SEAC is expected to adopt its final opinion by the end of 2026, taking into account consultation responses, after which both committees’ opinions will be submitted to the European Commission. The Commission will then propose a restriction for discussion and vote in the REACH Committee.

Private Client analysis: Ms Emily Whelan died on 8 November 2016. Family members brought a claim under Article 8 of the ECHR, the right to respect for family and private life, home and correspondence, as enshrined by section 6 of the Human Rights Act 1998 (HRA 1998). They contended that Leeds General Infirmary (LGI) had failed to freeze the body of Ms Whelan and thereby had caused or permitted it to become badly decomposed, and in doing so had failed to treat the body with dignity and respect. The court found that the Article 8 rights of the family members had been engaged—that by allowing Ms Whelan’s body to unnecessarily deteriorate those rights had been interfered with; that there was no justification for that interference; and that the family members were victims for the purposes of HRA 1998, s 7. The family members were granted declaratory relief and damages. Written by Adam Stewart-Wallace, barrister, at 10 Old Square.

Law360: A ruling from Europe's top human rights court that countries have obligations to protect their citizens from climate change could serve as a blueprint for other litigation brought by activists seeking to force action from governments and corporations over a warming planet.

The Committee on the Election of Judges to the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) has recommended Hugh Mercer KC as the leading candidate for the position of UK judge at the court. The recommendation will now go forward to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe for final election. Mercer, a barrister at Essex Court Chambers, was identified by the committee as the most qualified candidate from the UK nominations.