UPDATE - ECHA invited stakeholders to provide information on the proposed restriction PFAS. Deadline submission 25th May 2026.

As most stakeholders in membrane structures will be aware, ECHA has launched a consultation on the draft SEAC opinion on PFAS.ECHA is inviting stakeholders to provide information on the proposed restriction of PFAS, as set out in the draft opinion of its Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC).The consultation is open until 25 May 2026 and can be accessed at https://ec.europa.eu/consultation/runner/echa_pfas_seac_do_consultation.

TensiNet Association 

On Friday, the TensiNet Association will submit a response to the consultation through Chemservice, based on the completed questionnaires received. The TensiNet Association is either asking for a full exemption with respect to the scope of the proposed PFAS restriction or, if this is not accepted, for a time-unlimited derogation for the specific use of fluoropolymers in tensioned membrane structures. The main statements are: (1) a Responsible Manufacturing Programme for fluoropolymers is in place, aiming to reduce emissions throughout the manufacturing stage and the supply chain; (2) the use stage is safe; and (3) concerning the end of life, fluoropolymers can be recycled (ETFE), landfilled or incinerated without degrading into hazardous PFAS, as proven by recent studies.

Individual parties can still reply before 25 May with additional specific information or state their support for the TensiNet Association's response.

https://ec.europa.eu/consultation/runner/General_survey_final (EU login required).

For 'Background information', please provide the required answers. If you wish to specify the previous consultation: #8909. The sector: Technical Textiles.

For the 'General Survey Questions', from question 2.19 onwards, responses are not mandatory and stakeholders can indicate their support for the TensiNet Association's response.