Safer Chemicals Podcast

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1. Moving away from animal testing: how new methods can support chemical safety

   14 juni 2026 · 33 min

   Afspelen
   The European Commission published its roadmap for phasing out animal testing on 1 June 2026, and the first meeting of ECHA’s Collaborative Platform on Alternatives to Animal Testing has now taken place. Lees meer

   In this episode, we explore what these developments mean for regulators, researchers and industry. Tomasz Sobanski from ECHA explains how new approach methodologies (NAMs) are moving from research into regulatory use, and why the transition requires more than replacing individual tests.

   The discussion looks at how the EU roadmap is expected to drive implementation across legislation, and how ECHA contributes through scientific and regulatory expertise, international cooperation and the collaborative platform.

   The episode features perspectives from the EPAA, PETA and HEAL on regulatory acceptance, confidence-building, animal welfare, and maintaining a high level of protection for human health and the environment.

   Useful links

   ECHA convenes first meeting of its collaborative platform on alternatives to animal testing

   ECHA supports EU roadmap for alternatives to animal testing with new collaborative platform

   Roadmap towards phasing out animal testing and related materials

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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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2. PFAS restriction proposal: Closer look at ECHA committees' latest opinions

   22 maart 2026 · 38 min

   Afspelen
   In this episode of the safer chemicals podcast, we take a more detailed look at the committees’ opinions on the proposed restriction of PFAS in Europe. Host Adam Elwan speaks with Roberto Scazzola, Chair of the Committee for Risk Assessment, about the committee’s adopted opinion on PFAS, what it concludes and why persistence remains such a central concern. He is also joined by Maria Ottati, Chair of the Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis, to discuss the committee’s draft opinion, including the key socio-economic considerations, the role of derogations and the questions that will now be explored further through consultation. Lees meer

   The discussion covers how the committees approached issues such as grouping, fluoropolymers, volatile PFAS and fluorinated gases, as well as what is known about emissions across sectors in Europe. It also explains where the biggest uncertainties remain, what information the committees are still seeking, and what happens next as the process moves forward.

   The episode also briefly covers two additional topics discussed by the committees in March.

   Useful links

   ECHA supports PFAS restriction with targeted derogations - ECHA news, 26 March 2026

   Consultation on SEAC PFAS draft opinion - guidance for respondents - ECHA webinar, 30 October 2025

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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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3. Biocidal Products Committee: Ethanol opinion explained

   2 maart 2026 · 15 min

   Afspelen
   This episode of our Safer Chemicals Podcast focuses on the Biocidal Product Committee’s (BPC) conclusion on the use of the active substance ethanol. The BPC supports its approval for use in hand and general disinfectants (product-types 1, 2 and 4) but does not take a position on whether ethanol should be considered a carcinogenic or reprotoxic substance. Lees meer

   Listen to the Committee Chair Joost van Galen telling what led to this opinion, what it means in practice and what will happen next.

   ECHA’s Biocidal Products Committee meets to prepare scientific opinions for the European Commission on biocidal active substances and on EU-wide authorisations of biocidal products. The Commission takes final decisions based on these opinions.

   Useful links:

   ECHA’s Biocides Committee supports approval of ethanol in disinfectants - ECHA news, 24 February 2026

   Highlights from February Biocidal Products Committee meeting - ECHA news, 4 March 2026

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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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4. PFAS restriction proposal and new hazard classes: December committee updates

   14 december 2025 · 28 min

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

   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.

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5. EU enforcement project: targeted checks uncovered non-compliances in imported products.

   19 november 2025 · 23 min

   Afspelen
   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. Lees meer

   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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   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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6. PFAS, titanium dioxide, and new tasks: September committee updates

   23 september 2025 · 30 min

   Afspelen
   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. Lees meer

   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

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   Highlights: September meetings of RAC and SEAC

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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 …

7. PFAS, Chromium VI and worker safety: June committee updates

   13 juni 2025 · 30 min

   Afspelen
   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. Lees meer

   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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   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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8. Biocidal Products Committee: Analysing alternatives to anticoagulant rodenticides

   19 mei 2025 · 23 min

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

   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.

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

9. PFAS restriction update: energy, transport and fluorinated gases

   17 maart 2025 · 27 min

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

   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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10. ECHA committees give update on PFAS restriction proposal and discuss harmonised classification

    29 november 2024 · 22 min

    Afspelen
    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. Lees meer

    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.

    Useful links

    Give us feedback

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

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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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