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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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.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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

• Give us feedback

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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.

Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

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 video@echa.europa.eu.

Useful links

• Give feedback

• Highlights: September meetings of RAC and SEAC

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• Subscribe to our YouTube channel

• Subscribe to our Safer Chemicals Podcast

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Follow us on:

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Visit our website

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.

Hosted by Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.