December 30, 2025

The European Union continues to redefine global chemical governance through expanding REACH, CLP, and sustainability-driven regulations. As we approach 2026, regulatory expectations are intensifying impacting manufacturers, importers, formulators, and downstream users operating within or exporting to the EU. 

From mandatory REACH registrations and chromium (VI) restrictions to the PFAS mega-restriction and the emergence of “Substances of Concern” (SoC) under multiple EU sustainability laws, companies must adopt a proactive compliance strategy to maintain market access and supply chain continuity. 

This regulatory outlook provides a comprehensive, actionable overview of key EU chemical and product regulatory developments, helping organizations prepare for evolving obligations and regulatory scrutiny. 

REACH Registration: A Non-Negotiable Requirement for EU Market Access 

Under REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, any chemical substance manufactured in or imported into the EU at ≥1 tonne per year must be registered with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) unless a specific exemption applies. 

REACH registration is not optional and cannot be delayed until after market entry. Substances placed on the EU market without a valid registration face immediate enforcement risk, including sales bans and financial penalties. 

Why REACH Registration Remains a Top Priority 

  • It is the legal gateway to the EU market 
  • Enforcement activity continues to increase 
  • Portfolio complexity is rising due to new hazard classes 
  • Supply chain accountability is expanding 

Companies entering the EU market or expanding their substance portfolio should urgently reassess their compliance readiness. 

Key Action Points for REACH Compliance 

  • Review substance portfolios, volumes, and exemptions 
  • Reassess hazard classifications under updated CLP rules 
  • Confirm your legal role (Manufacturer, Importer, OR Distributor) 
  • Evaluate internal registration capacity vs. external support 
  • Appoint an Only Representative (OR) if you are a non-EU manufacturer 
  • Budget for testing, ECHA fees, and Letters of Access 
  • Initiate registration early to avoid 2026 bottlenecks 

Chromium (VI) Restriction Proposal: Public Consultation in Progress 

ECHA has launched a public consultation (June 18, 2025 – late 2025) on restricting several Chromium (VI) substances under REACH. 

Industries Most Impacted 

  • Aerospace & defence 
  • Automotive manufacturing 
  • Hydraulics and energy 
  • Surface treatment and coatings 

Targeted Substances Include 

  • Chromium trioxide 
  • Sodium & potassium dichromate 
  • Strontium chromate 
  • Barium chromate 
  • Zinc chromate compounds 

What Companies Should Assess Now 

  • Are proposed limits technically achievable? 
  • Are critical uses adequately exempted? 
  • Is the transition timeline realistic? 
  • What alternatives or risk controls are viable? 

Participating in the consultation allows stakeholders to influence regulatory outcomes and safeguard essential use cases. 

REACH Revision (Expected Q4 2025): Preparing for Expanded Obligations 

A targeted REACH revision is expected to be proposed by the European Commission in Q4 2025, with possible adoption in 2026–2027. 

Key Changes Under Discussion 

Potential Change 

Expected Impact 

Polymer notification 

~200,000 polymers affected 

High-concern polymers 

~30,000 may require registration 

Generic Risk Management 

Faster restrictions 

PMT/vPvM inclusion 

Broader hazard coverage 

Streamlined procedures 

Accelerated authorisations 

Preparation Steps for 2025 

  • Review polymer inventories for regulatory exposure 
  • Prepare for future SDS updates 
  • Align supply chain stakeholders 
  • Monitor Commission and ECHA communications closely 

Early planning will reduce compliance costs and supply disruptions. 

EU PFAS Restriction: Regulatory Milestones & Industry Impact 

ECHA is advancing its evaluation of the PFAS restriction proposal, covering >10,000 substances used across consumer and industrial sectors. 

Recent Developments (2025) 

  • RAC & SEAC issued provisional conclusions on: 
    • Medical devices 
    • Lubricants 
    • Transport applications 
  • Upcoming evaluations: 
    • Electronics & semiconductors (late 2025) 
    • Energy sector (continuing) 

Regulatory Direction 

  • Strong restriction support for consumer uses 
  • Conditional continuation for critical industrial uses 
  • Strict risk-management requirements until substitutes exist 

What This Means for Industry 

  • Conduct PFAS inventories across products and suppliers 
  • Evaluate substitution feasibility 
  • Prepare for second SEAC public consultation (2026) 
  • Monitor exemptions and transition periods 

“Substances of Concern” (SoC): A Cross-Regulatory Concept 

The concept of Substances of Concern (SoC) now extends beyond REACH and CLP into multiple EU sustainability laws. 

SoC Definition (ESPR – Regulation EU 2024/1781) 

A substance is an SoC if it: 

  • Is an SVHC 
  • Has harmonised chronic CLP classification 
  • Is a Persistent Organic Pollutant (POP) 
  • Negatively impacts recycling or circularity 

This significantly expands the scope covering thousands of substances. 

Key Regulations Using the SoC Concept 

  • Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) 
  • Packaging & Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) 
  • Batteries Regulation 
  • Corporate Sustainability Reporting (CSRD / ESRS) 

Industry Implications 

  • New disclosure obligations 
  • Digital Product Passport requirements 
  • Risk of material obsolescence 
  • Future product-specific restrictions 

Proactive chemical tracking and portfolio analysis are now essential. 

How Maven Regulatory Solutions Supports EU Compliance 

Maven Regulatory Solutions provides end-to-end regulatory expertise across: 

  • REACH & CLP compliance strategy 
  • OR representation & registration management 
  • PFAS risk & substitution assessments 
  • Chromium VI consultation support 
  • SoC & sustainability regulatory alignment 
  • Supply chain regulatory intelligence 

We help transform regulatory complexity into strategic advantage. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1.Is REACH registration mandatory for non-EU companies? 

Yes, via an EU-based Only Representative. 

2.Will all PFAS be banned? 

Consumer uses are likely restricted; critical industrial uses may continue under strict conditions. 

3.Do polymers require registration today? 

Currently exempt, but notification/registration may be introduced post-2025. 

4.What is the biggest upcoming compliance risk? 

PFAS restrictions and expanded SoC reporting obligations. 

Conclusion 

EU chemical regulations are entering a new phase defined by hazard expansion, sustainability integration, and accelerated enforcement. Organizations that act early by reassessing portfolios, engaging regulators, and aligning supply chains will be best positioned to maintain market access and operational resilience. 

Maven Regulatory Solutions stands ready to support your EU compliance journey with precision, foresight, and regulatory confidence.