In this episode, we deconstruct the outcomes of the December meetings of the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) and the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC).

Topics include:

• Universal PFAS restriction proposal: The interviewees break down the latest discussions on the proposal, with a particular focus on PFAS manufacturing and the so-called “horizontal issues” that cut across all sectors. The SEAC's approaches to alternatives analysis, cost-benefit considerations, and proportionality are discussed, with special attention on the unique aspects of PFAS manufacturing.

• Sector-specific insights: The episode reviews the committees’ conclusions on all 14 sectors, with a spotlight on SEAC's discussions on the complex electronics and semiconductor sector.

• Next steps and stakeholder consultation: Listeners are guided through the upcoming consultation on SEAC's draft opinion, including how stakeholders can contribute, and the importance of providing targeted, relevant information to inform the final opinion.

• Milestone in chemical classification: The episode also marks a milestone for the Risk Assessment Committee: the first classification opinion using new hazard classes under the revised CLP regulation.

Useful links

• December highlights from RAC and SEAC

• ECHA webinar: Consultation on PFAS draft opinion: Guidance for respondents

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In this episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast, host Päivi Jokiniemi is joined by Henrik Hedlund, Chair of ECHA's Enforcement Forum, and Maciej Baranski, Team Leader of ECHA's Harmonised Enforcement Team, to discuss the results of a recent EU-wide REACH enforcement project. Inspectors from 29 countries conducted targeted checks on over 2 600 imported products, focusing on compliance with EU chemical regulations.

The conversation explores the project's scope, objectives, and key findings, including persistent non-compliance in imported mixtures and consumer products such as jewellery, toys, textiles, and footwear. Notably, one in three substances in imported mixtures lacked REACH registration, and hazardous heavy metals were frequently found in jewellery. The episode highlights trends over time, the effectiveness of customs and enforcement collaboration, and the impact of enforcement actions in protecting consumers and the environment.

Listeners will gain insights into the challenges of regulating imported chemicals, the importance of pre-release checks, and recommendations for companies and authorities to improve compliance. The episode concludes with advice for importers and an invitation to follow up on the ongoing project through stakeholder workshops and the full report available on ECHA’s website.

Useful links

• Enforcement Forum finds non-compliance in imported substances, mixtures and products - ECHA news, 10 December 2025

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In this episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast, host Adam Elwan is joined by Roberto Scazzola, Chair of the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC), and Maria Ottati, Chair of the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC). Together, they unpack the latest updates from the recent committee meetings, with a special focus on the universal PFAS restriction proposal.

Listeners will hear about:

• The finalisation and publication of the background document for the PFAS restriction, and what it means for stakeholders and the committee’s ongoing work.

• Key sector discussions, including electronics, semiconductors, and manufacturing, and the latest on assessing emissions, alternatives, and stakeholder input.

• The importance of “horizontal issues” that cut across all sectors, such as concentration limits and risk management measures.

• Progress and timelines for both committees, including upcoming consultations and opportunities for stakeholder engagement.

• New tasks on the horizon for RAC and SEAC, covering among others, packaging and packaging waste, toys, batteries, and end-of-life vehicles.

• A special segment on the recent European Court of Justice ruling regarding classification of titanium dioxide, and its implications for scientific opinion-making.

The episode wraps up with an invitation for listeners to submit questions or topics for future episodes. If you have questions or topics you would like us to cover in our upcoming episodes, send them to us at [email protected].

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• Highlights: September meetings of RAC and SEAC

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In this episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast, host Adam Elwan is joined by Roberto Scazzola, Chair of the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC), and Maria Ottati, Chair of the Socio-economic Analysis Committee (SEAC), to unpack the latest developments from the June committee meetings.

We talk about:

• The evolving PFAS restriction proposal, with a focus on medical devices, lubricants, and the electronics and semiconductor sectors

• SEAC’s conclusions on the transport sector and the socio-economic analysis of PFAS uses

• The new restriction proposal on Chromium VI substances and what the conformity check entails

• A deep look at occupational exposure limits (OELs), including the latest recommendation for bisphenol A (BPA) and how these limits protect workers across the EU

The episode also touches on the challenges of group restrictions, the importance of stakeholder input, and how lessons learnt in Europe may shape global chemical safety standards.

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June RAC and SEAC meeting highlights - ECHA news, 18 June 2025

Useful links

• Risk Assessment Committee

• Socio-Economic Analysis Committee

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ECHA’s Biocidal Products Committee met on 12-16 May 2025.

In this episode, the committee chair Joost van Galen joins host Päivi Jokiniemi to discuss the key outcomes from the meeting. Topics covered include Union authorisations and data gaps, harmonised list of environment endpoints for pyrethroid metabolites, and the renewal applications for anticoagulant rodenticides and the related analysis of alternatives.

The Committee’s task is to prepare scientific opinions for the European Commission on biocidal active substances and on EU-wide authorisations of biocidal products.

Useful links:

• More episodes on the Biocidal Products Committee meetings

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More

• ECHA’s Biocides Committee backs approval of anticoagulant rodenticides (News, 21 May 2025)

• Agenda of the May 2025 BPC meeting (PDF)

• Summary of product characteristics (SPC) quality checklist (PDF)

• Guiding principles on handling information provided by the applicant during Union authorisation process (PDF)

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Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication.

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In this episode, we dive into the highlights of ECHA's Risk Assessment and Socio-Economic Analysis committees' meetings.

First, we explore the ongoing discussions on restricting PFAs, including new sectors like transport and energy. We discuss the challenges of assessing complex sectors, stakeholder engagement, and addressing information gaps on alternatives.

Next, we give an overview of the harmonised classification and labelling proposals for silver nitrate and silicon dioxide, detailing their uses and the committees' conclusions.

Finally, we update you on the Risk Assessment Committee's preparations for the Drinking Water Directive, discussing the development of positive lists and the process for ensuring the safe use of materials in contact with drinking water.

Stay informed on the latest in chemical safety and regulation. Subscribe for more updates and follow us on social media!

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Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication.

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In this episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast, Adam Elwan is joined by Roberto Scazzola, Chair of the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC), and María Ottati, Chair of the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC). They discuss highlights of the November committee meetings, focusing on the scientific evaluation of the proposal to restrict PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in sectors such as construction products, textiles and food contact materials and packaging.

Roberto also provides insights into the harmonised classification process under the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation, while María offers valuable advice for companies preparing applications for authorisation.

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November RAC and SEAC meeting highlights - ECHA news, 5 December 2024

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In this episode we talk about one of the core tools for chemical safety in the workplace: safety data sheets. They contain information on how to safely handle, store, and dispose of chemicals. It is the responsibility of the supplier to provide safety data sheets to their customer when selling hazardous chemicals or mixtures. 

In 2021, new requirements for safety data sheets were introduced under the REACH Regulation, and this year, ECHA’s Enforcement Forum carried out an EU-wide project to check if companies are following these updated rules.

The inspectors found that 35 % of the checked safety data sheets were non-compliant. Compliance has improved from previous projects but further efforts are needed to better protect workers and professional users from the risks of hazardous chemicals.

Our guests are Abdulqadir Mohamad Suleiman, the Norwegian alternate member of ECHA’s Enforcement Forum and the Chair of the working group managing this enforcement project and Maciej Baranski, leading the Harmonised Enforcement Team at ECHA, which contributed to the project.

Useful links

• More episodes on the Enforcement Forum 

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Disclaimer: Views expressed by interviewees do not necessarily represent the official position of the European Chemicals Agency. All content is up to date at the time of publication.

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In this episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast, we dive into ECHA’s new initiatives in advancing non-animal testing methods through the New Approach Methodologies Framework Contract.

Our guests, Sylvia Escher from the Fraunhofer Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, and Tomasz Sobanski from ECHA’s Alternative Methods Team, discuss research projects aimed at transforming how chemicals are assessed for safety.

Useful links

• ECHA to investigate new test method potentially replacing toxicity testing with fish - ECHA news 13 November 2024

• Animal testing under the REACH Regulation

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In this episode of the Safer Chemicals Podcast, Adam Elwan is joined by Roberto Scazzola, Chair of the Risk Assessment Committee (RAC), and María Ottati, Chair of the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee (SEAC). They talk about the September committee meetings, discussing the scientific evaluation of the proposal to restrict PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) across multiple industries, including petroleum, mining, textiles, and food packaging. 

Additionally, they address the proposal to classify talc as a carcinogenic substance and companies' applications to use chromium VI in the aviation and defense sectors.

Useful links

• Give us feedback

• September RAC and SEAC meeting highlights - ECHA news, 26 September 2024

• RAC meeting agenda and minutes

• SEAC meeting agenda and minutes

• REACH restriction process

• Harmonised classification and labelling

• Risk Assessment Committee

• Socio-Economic Analysis Committee

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