ECHA Committee Proposes Stricter Hazard Classification for Trifluoroacetic Acid

On June 5, 2026, the European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) endorsed a proposal from Germany to classify trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) under stricter hazard categories. The committee recommended designating TFA as toxic to reproduction (Category 1B), persistent, mobile and toxic (PMT), and very persistent and very mobile (vPvM).

TFA is categorized as a per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), commonly referred to as a “forever chemical” due to its long-lasting presence in the environment. It can form from the degradation of various fluorinated substances, including certain PFAS, and has been detected in multiple water sources globally, raising concerns about its environmental impact.

While TFA is not typically classified as a food contact chemical, its relevance to food packaging cannot be overlooked. Several PFAS have historically been utilized in food contact materials (FCMs) to provide grease and water resistance, which can lead to TFA formation in the environment.

The RAC’s opinion serves as scientific guidance under the EU’s Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation but is not legally binding. The European Commission will review this recommendation and may amend the CLP Regulation accordingly, which would then become legally binding across the EU after a transition period.

This assessment of TFA is distinct from the broader EU initiative to potentially restrict all PFAS, as well as from the upcoming restrictions on PFAS use in FCMs set to take effect in August 2026 under the EU’s Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation.