During the use, collection, treatment and disposal of packaging, harmful substances can be released from materials. This may lead to environmental and health problems and hinder the reuse and recycling of materials.

ECHA will support the European Commission by:

• Identifying substances of concern in packaging:
  ECHA will help the European Commission prepare a report identifying substances of concern in packaging and its components. The report will assess how these substances affect the reuse, recycling and safety of materials. It will be prepared by 31 December 2026.
   
• Proposing restrictions on substances of concern in packaging:
  ECHA, at the European Commission's request, or a Member State may propose restrictions on substances found in packaging that pose health or environmental risks, using the REACH restrictions process. ECHA’s committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) will provide opinions on such proposals, while the European Commission will take the final decision in a comitology procedure with scrutiny involving the Member States and the European Parliament.

The Regulation already bans the use of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) above certain limits in food contact packaging.