RAC and SEAC (ECHA Scientific Committees)

RAC (Committee for Risk Assessment) and SEAC (Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis) are the two independent scientific committees within ECHA that evaluate restriction proposals under REACH. RAC assesses whether a proposed restriction appropriately addresses risks to human health and the environment. SEAC evaluates socio-economic impacts, alternatives availability, and proportionality. Both must issue opinions before the European Commission can adopt a restriction.

REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, Articles 64, 70–72; ECHA Committee rules of procedure.

For the universal PFAS restriction, RAC adopted its final opinion on March 2, 2026, confirming PFAS warrant group-wide restriction. SEAC agreed its draft opinion on March 11, 2026. The SEAC 60-day public consultation closes May 25, 2026. Companies must participate to influence the final derogation scope—it is the last major opportunity before the Commission drafts the regulation.

A fluoropolymer industry consortium submits detailed socio-economic data to the SEAC consultation, demonstrating that banning PTFE in medical devices would increase patient risk and raise healthcare costs. SEAC considers this data when finalizing its opinion on derogation periods.