Restrictions are regulatory measures to protect human health and the environment from unacceptable risks posed by chemicals. Restrictions may limit or ban the manufacture, placing on the market or use of a substance.
A restriction can apply to any substance on its own, in a mixture or in an article, including those that do not require registration.
Restrictions setting out conditions for the placing on the market of substances apply to both domestic production and imports.
REACH restriction procedures
Articles 69 – 73 of REACH set out the procedure for adopting restrictions. An EU country, or the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) on request of the European Commission, can propose restrictions if they find that there are risks that are not adequately controlled and that need to be addressed on a Union-wide basis. ECHA can also propose a restriction for articles containing substances that are in the authorisation list (Annex XIV).
Restriction proposals are subject to public consultations, which are organised by ECHA. Anyone can comment on a proposal to restrict a substance. Those most likely to be interested are companies, organisations representing industry or civil society, individual citizens, as well as public authorities. Comments from the EU or beyond are welcomed.
The ECHA committees for risk assessment (RAC) and socio-economic analysis (SEAC) provide opinions on restriction proposals, taking into account the comments received from public consultations. These opinions are sent to the European Commission, which, together with the EU countries, takes the final decision. Restrictions are enacted via amendments to Annex XVII of REACH.
In several cases, the Commission has proceeded with the closure of the restrictions procedure without amending Annex XVII. These cases are as follows:
- Commission communication of 9 August 2014 on the termination of the restriction process on the 4 phthalates DEHP, DBP, BBP and DIBP under REACH
- Commission communication of 28 October 2015 on the termination of the restriction process on cadmium in artists' paint under REACH
- Commission decision of 8 April 2022 on the termination of the restrictions process on cobalt sulphate, cobalt dichloride, cobalt dinitrate, cobalt carbonate and cobalt di(acetate) under REACH
Restrictions adopted under Article 68(2) of REACH
Article 68(2) of REACH provides a simplified procedure which the Commission may use in relation to substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMR), categories 1A and 1B on their own, in mixtures or in articles that could be used by consumers.
The procedure differs from the standard restriction procedure of Articles 69 to 73, which requires the preparation of an Annex XV dossier to initiate the restriction process, public consultation, opinions by RAC and SEAC and the consultation of the forum.
Restrictions adopted under the simplified procedure include
- PAHs in rubber and plastic
The Commission adopted a restriction (Dec 2013) following the procedure of Art. 68(2) for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in rubber and plastic.
Building on that experience, the Commission developed a structured approach to the implementation of Art. 68(2) for articles, which was presented in a paper (421 kb) (Nov 2014) and discussed with the EU countries' competent authorities and the stakeholders.
- CMRs in clothing, textiles and footwear
Implementing the approach developed in 2014, the Commission started to work on a potential restriction of CMRs 1A and 1B in textiles. This included a public consultation and a technical workshop organised on 8 February 2017.
The restriction of 33 CMRs in clothing, textiles and footwear is set out in entry 72 of Annex XVII to REACH by Regulation (EU) 2018/1513, applicable from 1 November 2020.
The restricted substances may be present in these articles either from the production process or because they have been added intentionally to give specific properties such as to prevent shrinkage or make fabric crease-resistant. Consumers can be exposed to these hazardous substances through skin contact, inhalation or unintentional ingestion of dust released from the textile fibres. Small children are also at risk due to a possible oral exposure.
An explanatory guide on the restriction was endorsed by the competent authorities for REACH and CLP (CARACAL) on 27 June 2018 [CA/44/2018]. It aims to clarify the scope of the articles intended to be covered by the restriction and provides a list of available analytical methods in certain matrixes that can be used for the determination of the different substances.
Measures adopted under Article 129 (Safeguard clause)
REACH contains a safeguard clause (Article 129) which enables an EU country to take provisional measures (e.g. a restriction) where it has justifiable grounds for believing that urgent action is essential to protect human health or the environment in respect of a substance, on its own, in a mixture or in an article, even if satisfying the requirements of REACH. The following necessary steps to take are
- the EU country must immediately inform the European Commission, ECHA and the other EU countries
- the Commission must decide, within 60 days, on the authorisation of such provisional measures
- if a national restriction is authorised by the Commission, the concerned EU country must prepare a proposal to initiate an EU restrictions procedure within 3 months of the Commission's Decision confirming the provisional national measure.
The safeguard clause has been applied twice so far:
- Commission Implementing Decision 2013/505/EU of 14 October 2013 authorising the provisional measure taken by the French Republic to restrict ammonium salts' use in cellulose wadding insulation materials, extended by Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2015/1131 of 10 July 2015.
and
- Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2019/961 of 7 June 2019 authorising a provisional measure taken by the French Republic to restrict the use and the placing on the market of certain wood treated with creosote and other creosote-related substances, extended by Commission Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/326 of 24 February 2022.
Restrictions adopted under Article 137 of REACH
Title VIII and Annex XVII of REACH replaced the earlier legislation setting out restrictions on chemicals, i.e., Directive 76/769/EEC as of 1 June 2009. In the frame of the provisions on transitional measures from the pre-REACH restriction regime, which are set out in Article 137 of REACH, 2 measures were adopted under Article 137(1)(a).
The first prohibits the placing on the market of acrylamide for grouting applications (Regulation (EU) No 366/2011). The second prohibits cadmium in jewellery, brazing fillers, and plastics (Regulation (EU) No 494/2011 with related Corrigendum OJ L 136/105).
Communication pursuant to Article 67(3) of REACH
Article 67(3) of REACH provides that until 1 June 2013, an EU country may maintain any existing and more stringent restrictions in relation to Annex XVII on the manufacture, placing on the market or use of a substance, provided that those restrictions have been notified according to the treaty.
The Commission compiled and published an inventory of these restrictions by 1 June 2009. Read the Communication on Article 67(3) of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006.
The restrictions roadmap is a deliverable under the chemical strategy for sustainability towards a toxic-free environment of 14 October 2020 as part of the European Green Deal. The Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability announces actions for a toxic-free environment to protect people and the environment from hazardous chemicals.
The restrictions roadmap sets out the planned restrictions, providing transparency to stakeholders on the authorities’ restriction work and allowing companies to anticipate (potential) upcoming restrictions, e.g. by beginning substitution.
The roadmap provides a balance between the need for flexibility on when and how to act while securing the necessary commitment to ensure progress on restricting the most harmful groups of substances. It is also the cornerstone for the multiannual planning under REACH. The restriction roadmap includes a rolling list that will be regularly reviewed.
The first review of the rolling list was endorsed by CARACAL on 1 July 2024.
Restriction of PFAS
PFAS (per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of more than 10 000 mainly man-made chemicals. PFAS are persistent in the environment and certain PFAS are harmful for humans (e.g., toxic for reproduction, interfering with the immune system). As long as PFAS continue to be released to the environment, humans and other species will be exposed to ever greater concentrations. Even if all releases of PFAS would cease tomorrow, they would continue to be present in the environment, and humans, for generations to come. For more information about PFAS, consult this page on ECHA's website. The OECD also offers a portal on PFAS.
At the same time, PFAS are widely used for their unique properties. For instance, they are stable under intense heat and many of them are also used as water and grease repellents. PFAS are used across many applications for the green and digital transitions (e.g. in semiconductors, in lithium batteries and fuel cells for green hydrogen) but also in crucial sectors for the EU open strategic autonomy (e.g. in the medical, aerospace and defence sectors).
For some of these uses, alternatives exist and substitution is already ongoing, while for certain other uses, alternatives do not yet exist or have insufficient performance. Based on the REACH restriction prepared by five national authorities, the main uses of PFAS are fluorinated gases e.g., as refrigerants (59% of use), in transport (19%) and in textiles, upholstery, leather, apparel and carpets (11%). For more information on PFAS uses, see this OECD portal.
Restriction of undecafluorohexanoic acid (‘PFHxA’) and PFHxA‑related substances
On 19 September 2024, the Commission adopted a restriction on the market placement and use of undecafluorohexanoic acid (‘PFHxA') and PFHxA ‑related substances. These sub-groups of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (‘PFAS’) are very persistent and mobile in water. Their use in certain products poses an unacceptable risk to human health and the environment.
The PFHxA restriction focuses on uses where the risk is not adequately controlled, alternatives are available, and socio-economic costs will be limited compared to the human health and environmental benefits.
The restriction will ban the sale and use of PFHxA in
- consumer textiles, such as rain jackets
- food packaging, like pizza boxes
- consumer mixtures such as waterproofing sprays
- cosmetics
- some firefighting foam applications like for training and testing, without compromising safety.
It does not affect other applications of PFHxA. For example in semiconductors, batteries or fuel cells for green hydrogen.
This restriction is an important step forward in reducing PFAS emissions, since PFHxA is often used as substitution for another already banned PFAS (perfluorooctanoic acid, or ‘PFOA’). It is based on the scientific assessment of ECHA’s committees and has successfully passed scrutiny by the European Parliament and Council.
Restriction of microplastics internationally added to products
On 25 September 2023, the Commission adopted the Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055, which restrict the sale of synthetic polymer particles - better known as microplastics - that are intentionally added to products. It covers microplastics measuring less than five millimetres that are organic, insoluble and resist (bio)degradation.
The new rules will prohibit the sale of microplastics as such, and of products to which microplastics have been added on purpose and that release those microplastics when used. There are derogations and sector-specific transition periods for the affected parties to adjust to the new rules.
This restriction enters into force on 17 October 2023 and starts applying immediately for certain products, such as cosmetics and detergents containing microbeads, or creative kits and toys containing loose plastic glitter.
However, glitter on its own or in products, for uses benefitting from a specific transitional period under paragraph 6 of the restriction (e.g. glitter used as a cosmetic or in cosmetic products) can continue being sold until the end of that transitional period. In addition, glitter that is inorganic (e.g. glass, metal), natural, biodegradable or soluble is not affected by the ban.
Products that do not benefit from transitional periods but are already on the market as of 17 October 2023 are not affected by the ban and can continue being sold. For more information, please consult the microplastics restriction page, the short Q&A, press release and legislative documents.
Lead in gunshot in or around wetlands
The restriction on lead in gunshot in or around wetlands contained in entry 63, paragraphs 11 to 14, applies after 15 February 2023. It allows EU countries to maintain stricter national legislation already in force on 15 February 2021. When using this possibility, EU countries must communicate texts of such stricter national legislation to the Commission. See the texts received by the Commission below.
- National legislation from Austria
- National legislation from Bulgaria
- National legislation from Denmark
- National legislation from Germany
- National legislation from Luxembourg
- National legislation from The Netherlands
- National legislation from Sweden
The restriction on lead in gunshot in or around wetlands also allows EU countries with at least 20% wetlands in total of their territory the option to prohibit the placing on the market and discharging of gunshot containing at least 1% lead as well as the carrying of such gunshot when going out shooting throughout their territories after 15 February 2024. EU countries wishing to make use of this possibility must inform the Commission. See the information received by the Commission below.
- Intention communicated by The Netherlands to prohibit placing on the market, discharging and carrying lead-containing gunshot throughout the territory
Substances in tattoo ink and permanent make-up
Chemicals in tattoo ink are of concern for public health causing allergies and possible long-term adverse effects such as cancer. This restriction aims to achieve a harmonised high level of protection of human health and free movement of goods within the EU and to ensure that EU citizens are equally protected independently of the country where they get the tattoo and whether the ink is manufactured in the EU or not.
This REACH restriction covers all substances banned by the EU Cosmetic Products Regulation, substances with harmonised classification as CMRs or as skin sensitiser, skin irritant or corrosive, eye damaging and irritant substances, as well as a list of impurities, aromatic amines and colorants.
The restriction includes practical concentration limits established either for groups of substances or for individual substances such as certain azodyes and carcinogenic aromatic amines, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), metals and methanol as well as harmonised labelling requirements to give consumers and tattooists additional information, to facilitate implementation of the restriction, to prevent fragmentation of the internal market and to ensure that investigations can be properly carried out in the event of adverse health effects.
There was a general transitional period of 12 months before the entry into application of the restriction. 12 additional months were granted for the entry into application of the ban for Pigment Blue 15:3 and Pigment Green 7, for which industry highlighted the need of more time to find safer and technically adequate alternatives whilst ensuring the availability of the inks on the market in the meantime.
This restriction was prepared by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) together with the Norwegian Environment Agency, the Italian Istituto Superiore della Sanità, and the Danish Environmental Protection Agency and with the contribution of the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (BfR) and Federal Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (BAuA) following a request from the European Commission in 2015.
Phthalates
A restriction proposal of four phthalates DEHP, BBP, DBP and DIBP in articles was prepared in 2016 by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and Denmark. The assessment of the proposal by the 2 ECHA Committees confirmed an inadequately controlled risk to human health from the exposure to the 4 phthalates DEHP, BBP, DBP and DIBP in articles. The restriction proposal took into account the cumulative effects and combined exposure to these 4 phthalates from different articles.
The restriction of the placing on the market of articles containing the four phthalates in a concentration equal to or above 0.1% by weight individually or in any combination in any plasticised material is set in a revised entry 51 of Annex XVII to the REACH Regulation.
Previous restrictions concerning certain phthalates are set out in entries 51 and 52 of Annex XVII to REACH, both of which contained an obligation to review the restrictions initially adopted.
- Commission conclusions on the review clause of REACH Annex XVII, entry 51 (DEHP, DBP, BBP) (30 kB)
- Commission conclusions on the review clause of REACH Annex XVII, entry 52 (DINP, DIDP and DNOP) (39 kB)
- The availability of substitutes for soft PVC containing phthalates in certain toys and childcare articles - RPA report 2000 (3 MB)
Asbestos
The use of asbestos fibres and articles containing the fibres is prohibited by entry 6 in Annex XVII to the REACH Regulation. Specifically, 6 types of asbestos are listed: chrysotile, crocidolite, amosite, anthophyllite, tremolite, and actinolite.
Entry 6 to Annex XVII was last amended by Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1005.
This last amendment set 1 July 2025 as the final date for the possibility for EU countries to maintain exemptions granted for the use of diaphragms containing chrysotile in electrolysis installations which were in use on 13 July 2016. The derogation applies to the use of such diaphragms in those specific installations as well as to chrysotile used exclusively for their maintenance, subject to the conditions of a permit set in accordance with Directive 2010/75/EU (the Industrial Emissions Directive).
Downstream users of chrysotile benefiting from the exemption have to report yearly on the amount of chrysotile used in diaphragms to the EU country in which the relevant electrolysis installation is located, as well as on monitoring results for chrysotile in air, is so required by the EU country to protect the health and safety of workers.
Exemption for articles with asbestos fibres already installed
EU Member States may also allow the placing on the market of articles in their entirety containing asbestos fibres, which were already installed and/or in service before 1 January 2005, under specific conditions ensuring a high level of protection of human health.
When using this possibility, EU countries had to communicate the national measures to the Commission by June 2011. The information communicated by EU countries to the Commission is contained in the report below.
Report on entry 6 of Annex XVII of REACH (2 MB)
Lamp oils and grill lighter fluids
In 2014/2015, ECHA assessed whether the use of grill lighter fluids and fuels for decorative lamps labelled R65 or H304, intended to be supplied to the general public should be restricted and presented the outcome in the form of an Annex XV restriction dossier (927 kB). ECHA concluded that in the light of the available evidence, no further action in addition to the existing restriction was required.
Dichloromethane
The restriction on dichloromethane in paint strippers contained in entry 59 of Annex XVII to REACH allows EU countries to grant derogation for professional use under certain conditions. Before its withdrawal from the Union, the UK was the only EU country who made use of this possibility.
Nickel
Restrictions concerning nickel are set out in entry 27 of Annex XVII to REACH. To monitor compliance with the restriction, specific analytical standards have been developed. More information is available in the link below.
Skin sensitisers
Contact allergy has long been recognised as a frequent and potentially disabling problem for consumers and workers. In August 2015, Sweden proposed the skin sensitiser HDDA (hexane-1,6-diol diacrylate) for identification as Substance of Very High Concern (SVHC) according to Article 57(f) of REACH.
The substance was finally not identified as a SVHC as an equivalent level of concern could not be demonstrated. In a follow-up discussion, REACH competent authorities agreed on the need to explore regulatory options to better protect workers and consumers from skin sensitisers.
More information on skin sensitisers
On 5 December 2017, the Commission organised a workshop on regulatory options for skin sensitisers.
The ECHA forum has developed a document listing analytical methods available to check compliance with restrictions listed in Annex XVII REACH.
This document intends to be a living document and is periodically reviewed.