EU REACH Regulation — Comprehensive Restriction Proposal for Bisphenols (BPA and Related Substances)
ENFORCEMENT TIMELINE
ECHA restriction proposal under development in 2024 (adoption expected around 2025 to 2026, with a phased ban to follow)
Overview
This is a proposed restriction under REACH Annex XVII to comprehensively ban or restrict the use of bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor, and roughly 30 structurally similar bisphenols such as BPS, BPF, and BPAF, in thermal paper, polycarbonate resin, epoxy resin coatings, food contact materials, and consumer products.
Enforcement Timeline
December 2022: The German Environment Agency (UBA) and others notify their intent to pursue a group restriction.
2023 to 2024: The proposal undergoes review by ECHA's Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC).
2025 to 2026 (expected): The European Commission adopts the restriction, which enters into force with a phased ban following an 18- to 36-month transition period.
Business Impact
Companies using bisphenols in molded plastics, paints, adhesives, and electronic circuit boards need to move early toward non-bisphenol alternative materials, rather than simply substituting one structurally similar bisphenol, such as BPS or BPF, for another.