EU Updates REACH Restrictions Roadmap

On 31 August 2026, the European Commission published an updated version of its REACH Restrictions Roadmap. The document was discussed with national authorities during the CARACAL meeting in July 2026.

The roadmap provides an overview of restrictions already adopted and cases still under development. Its new chronological structure follows the progress of each restriction from the initial assessment to final adoption.

Since the first roadmap was published in 2022, a number of restrictions covering hazardous substances and substance groups have been adopted. Several other proposals have now reached the final stages of the regulatory process.

Restrictions under development

The updated roadmap confirms that work continues on the universal PFAS restriction. The proposal covers the manufacture, placing on the market and use of PFAS in industrial, professional and consumer applications.

A restriction covering certain chromium(VI) oxides, oxyacids and salts is also under assessment by ECHA. The proposal focuses on industrial uses and the management of carcinogenic risks.

Other cases at an advanced stage include:

• 26 groups of substances classified as CMR category 1A or 1B: The proposal would update the relevant appendices to REACH Annex XVII. It concerns substances and mixtures supplied to the general public.
• Hydrogenated terphenyl: A draft restriction covers its placing on the market and use. Possible derogations may apply to industrial heat-transfer fluids and certain aerospace and defence applications.
• CMR substances in childcare products: A separate proposal would restrict substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction in childcare products.
• Skin-sensitising and corrosive substances: A restriction covering certain textile, leather, hide and fur articles is being prepared.

The draft regulation concerning the newly classified CMR substances is available in the Council document register .

Future priorities

The roadmap also identifies substances and groups that may become subject to future restrictions:

• Non-polymeric aromatic brominated flame retardants: An Annex XV restriction dossier was expected in December 2026.
• Bisphenols: The work covers bisphenols with endocrine-disrupting properties for the environment. Relevant uses may include leather, textiles, thermal paper and PVC.
• C4-C6 ortho-phthalates: The Commission may ask ECHA to prepare a restriction proposal in the first half of 2027. This could extend the existing restriction on DEHP, DBP, BBP and DIBP.
• Organophosphorus flame retardants: ECHA is preparing investigation reports to support possible future regulatory action.
• 6PPD and related substances: The planned work focuses on risks to the aquatic environment from their use in tyres and potentially other rubber products.
• PVC additives: Further work covers ortho-phthalates and organotin substances used in PVC.

What this means for companies

The Restrictions Roadmap is not legally binding and does not introduce new compliance obligations on its own. A restriction becomes binding only after the relevant legal act has been adopted.

Depending on the substance, restrictions may be introduced through REACH Annex XVII or another legal instrument, such as the EU POPs Regulation.

Companies can use the roadmap as an early indication of possible regulatory changes. Manufacturers and suppliers should check whether the listed substances are present in their products, materials or production processes. They should also monitor the relevant ECHA consultations and prepare for possible requests for substance and use data.

Source: European Commission, 2026 REACH Restrictions Roadmap ; Commission announcement ; and draft regulation covering newly classified CMR substances .