On October 3, 2025, the European Commission published (EU) 2025/1988 in the Official Journal, amending Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation (Restrictions) to include item 82, which sets forth control requirements for PFAS in firefighting foams. The revised regulation will take effect on October 23, 2025. This amendment marks a significant step towards comprehensive PFAS regulation in the EU. The firefighting foam industry should pay close attention to this revision, and other industries should continue to monitor the EU's progress in regulating PFAS across all sectors.

On October 15, 2025, the European Commission formally adopted Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2025/2067, adjusting the registration fee standards under the EU REACH.

The Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) in electrical and electronic equipment has evolved from a single European directive into a complex web of global regulations. For manufacturers and exporters, ensuring compliance across different markets is crucial but challenging. CIRS Testing offers a comprehensive, one-stop solution, providing expert RoHS testing and compliance services for all major international regulations, ensuring your products meet market access requirements worldwide.

On October 9, 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced that the Member State Committee (MSC) unanimously agreed during its October meeting to classify 1,1’-(1,2-ethanediyl)bis[pentabromobenzene] (Decabromodiphenyl Ethane, DBDPE) as a Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC). ECHA plans to officially publish the notice in November 2025, adding it to the SVHC Candidate List. This move will further advance the phase-out of brominated flame retardants.

Before April 15, 2028, the concentration of Dechlorane Plus and its isomers in substances, mixtures, or articles shall not exceed 1000 mg/kg (0.1%).

To assist stakeholders in preparation, ECHA will host an online briefing on October 30, 2025.

On September 8, 2025, the European Commission formally adopted three draft delegated directives, revising Annex III of Directive 2011/65/EU (RoHS Directive). The revisions focus on exemptions for lead in glass/ceramics, alloys, and high-temperature solder.

From January to August 2025, the EU's Rapid Alert System for non-food consumer products (Safety Gate) issued 17 asbestos risk notifications. The related products were found to contain asbestos fibers exceeding the limit (with the highest content reaching 30%), violating REACH Regulation (Annex XVII Article 6). The carcinogenic risk rating for all is at the highest level.

On September 1, 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) initiated a public consultation under the EU’s REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals) regarding proposals to list three substances as Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs). Stakeholders may submit scientific or technical comments by October 16, 2025.

On August 27, 2025, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced updated progress on the EU’s proposed "most stringent ever" restriction on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). According to the latest timeline, the full scientific evaluation of the restriction proposal is expected to conclude by the end of 2026, paving the way for the European Commission to enact legislation that would comprehensively limit the production and use of over 10,000 PFAS chemicals. According to the latest timeline, the full scientific evaluation of the restriction proposal is expected to conclude by the end of 2026.