REACH Restriction PVC

At CARACAL’s 3–4 July meeting, the Commission presented its Restrictions Roadmap. PVC/additives were mentioned but deprioritised, with no clear timeline.

The Commission has not yet proposed a restriction on PVC or its additives but is considering options. An NGO letter sent on 6 June called for urgent action and a timeline. Afera continues to monitor developments. 

These restrictions are particularly relevant to the adhesive tape industry, where PVC is a common material used in the backing of certain tapes due to its durability, flexibility, and resistance to moisture and chemicals. Rigid PVC without additives of concern are least likely to be affected, while soft PVC soft PVC containing plasticizers and stabilizers are more likely to be impacted.

As of February 2025, the European Commission is evaluating various regulatory measures for PVC and its additives, with no clear timeline. The European Commission could mandate ECHA to prepare a restriction proposal, which would likely take about 12 months to be prepared and would include a transition period before coming into effect.

• 28 November 2023: In an investigative report, ECHA identified significant risks stemming from PVC additives (such as phthalates, which can act as plasticisers) and the release of microparticles. This assessment may lead to future regulatory actions under the REACH framework, potentially including restrictions on certain uses of PVC and/or on specific additives.
• 21 March 2024: ECHA gave a presentation on the PVC REACH Restriction at a CARACAL meeting.
• 1 July 2024: The association VinylPlus published a position paper on PVC.
• As of February 2025: the European Commission is evaluating various regulatory measures for PVC and its additives, with no clear timeline for next steps.

Afera is monitoring updates from ECHA and the European Commission to stay informed about potential regulatory changes on this topic. Afera is represented in CARACAL, the Competent Authorities for REACH and CLP, via our membership in CheMI, the European Platform for Chemicals Using Manufacturing Industries. Engaging in public consultations and preparing for possible future restrictions will be crucial for ensuring compliance and adapting to evolving regulatory landscapes.

• Is PVC a problematic plastic? (VinylPlus)
• ECHA press release in PVC Report
• ECHA presentation at CARACAL meeting March 2024