Hot Spot ECHA PFAS Public Consultation on Draft SEAC

What is it?

The final ECHA PFAS consultation stage was launched earlier this year; it was the last public consultation opportunity to input in the development of the EU’s PFAS restriction proposal. The online consultation was open to all and requested responses to specific structured questions on the draft opinion of the Socio-economic Analysis Committee (SEAC) relating to the PFAS restriction proposal.

The SEAC draft opinion broadly supports the PFAS restriction proposal recommending only minor changes. However, they also recognise that there is a lack of detailed information which could potentially result in some proposals not being proportionate to the risks. Fluoropolymers and their use in sealing applications have been identified as one of these areas, however the opinion continues to propose a total ban.

The SEAC PFAS consultation represents BVAA members final opportunity to provide information to ECHA and SEAC in developing their recommendations to the EC. The following links to the SEAC consultation All news - ECHA for more information. Chemours also held a webinar, open to all stakeholders, on the consultation on April 13th which members may also find useful pages.chemours.com/Registration-SEAC_Consultation_Webinar_April.html?mkt_tok=NTA5LVZDTC0wMzgAAAGg3jskZL-mkW2Rm8XdTYa1s0jl3D3jfuMINsz_0v-qOqkv7Nb9A3YmfcV_UD9YduaeZCqxhSfHMhFkvi9zP-T15jPHK4M-BfnylmLFfGCLEsOQdg

BVAA encouraged members to participate in the consultation to use their company’s data to improve SEAC knowledge in key areas. The BVAA also intended to provide a response from the PFAS TEG to be developed during April however, as a trade association we will not be able to answer the company specific questions. The online consultation closed on the 25th May 2026.

Why is it Important?

The proposed restriction bans the sale of products containing PFAS in Europe 18 months after it enters into force (EIF). Some PFAS, such as fluoropolymers for sealing applications, are currently proposed to have a delayed ban effective 13.5 years after EIF.

This EU wide legislation risks valve sealing technology descending to performance levels last seen in the 1970’s. It will impact levels of environmental pollution, pressure equipment performance and the cost and availability of a vast range of goods that rely on efficient, reliable performance from industrial valves and actuators.

This consultation is the last chance to provide information to the regulators to ensure that they understand the profound effect that a PFAS ban would have on the pressure equipment industry. It is vital that BVAA members make sure that their views are considered and highlight the lack of suitable alternative sealing technologies to the consultation.

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Hot Spots are intended to alert members and provide a brief overview of new standards, activities or procedures that are being introduced in the industry. If there is key information missing that would be helpful, please let us know so that we can improve our future service.

Please Note: This Hotspot is for information purposes, and we invite comments from BVAA members only. Please also note that at time of publication ballots may be closed. For more information, please contact the Secretariat.

BVAA Members: Did you know we have a hotspot tab on the BVAA website? Head over to www.bvaa.org.uk/login-here.asp and log into the member only area. You then need to select ‘Hotspots’ for the latest. For information on how to access the member only area of the website please contact jane@bvaa.org.uk. 

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