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.

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

• Give us feedback

**************

• Subscribe to our YouTube channel

• Subscribe to our Safer Chemicals Podcast

• Subscribe to our news

Follow us on:

• X

• LinkedIn

• Facebook

• Instagram

• BlueSky

Visit our website

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.

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

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

• Give us feedback

**************

• Subscribe to our YouTube channel

• Subscribe to our Safer Chemicals Podcast

• Subscribe to our news

Follow us on:

• X

• LinkedIn

• Facebook

• Instagram

• BlueSky

Visit our website

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.

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.

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

• Give us feedback

**************

• Subscribe to our YouTube channel

• Subscribe to our Safer Chemicals Podcast

• Subscribe to our news

Follow us on:

• X

• LinkedIn

• Facebook

• Instagram

• BlueSky

Visit our website

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.