On Wednesday, 29 April, the European Parliament voted to push back on a proposal from the European Commission that would loosen rules governing cosmetics, chemical labelling and fertilizers. The goal, highlighted by co-rapporteur MEP Dimitris Tsiodoras, was to cut bureaucracy without lowering safety standards. MEP Piotr Müller, also co-rapporteur, stressed the need for simplification but also for strong control over what products enter the EU market.
Most amendments from the Renew, Greens, S&D and Left MEPs were rejected (around 23), however some amendments were adopted (around 6). The vote on the overall Commission proposal was adopted. 540 MEPs voted in favor of the Parliament’s negotiating positions, while 60 voted no and 45 abstained.
MEP Barry Andrews spoke Wednesday, 29 Arpil, on Morning Ireland about the need to outlaw the use of these chemicals – known as forever chemicals or PFAS – in cosmetics specifically. He noted that while PFAS are found in many everyday products, certain types are particularly concenring due to links with cancer, genetic mutations, and reproductive harm.
Andrews acknoweledged that there will be industry resistance, as the chemicals sector plays an impotant role in the Irish economy. However, he argued that economic competitiveness should not come at the expense of public health. In addition, he emphasised that the amendments are focused on cosmetics and the cosmetic industry. The use of PFAS can be justified in strategic industries where there is no substitute – such as the semiconductor and pharma industry.
For majority of amendments, Irish MEPs from EPP (Fine Gael), Renew (Fianna Fail), S&D (Labour) voted in favour while the Left (Sinn Féin) mainly voted against. This is the same trend for the final vote on the Commission proposal. Unlike other Member States, there was very little fragmentation between Irish MEPs.
Broader PFAS Outlook
A proposal to universally restrict PFAS in the EU/EEA was prepared by authorities in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden. It was submitted to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) on the 13 January 2023.In March 2026, ECHA’s Committee of Socio Economic Analysis (SEAC) announced that they have agreed their assessment and draft position on the universal restriction proposal on all PFAS.
Following this publication, a 60-day consultation was opened for stakeholders to give feedback (closing on 25 May 2026) – a final opinion will be sent to the European Commission by the end of 2026. It will then be for their consideration whether to put forward a legislative proposal consequently, based on the ECHA report, stakeholder’s opinions, and the potential impact the ban would have on the EU as a whole.
What to Watch
Wednesday’s vote reflects the tension in the EU’s broader regulatory simplification agenda, in the drive to cut red tape alongside persistent political pressure to maintain or strengthen public health and environmental protections. The broader PFAS restriction process means this vote is a procedural step rather than a conclusion. For stakeholders, MEP Andrew’s comment on PFAS being justified in strategic sectors suggests that there there is appetite for a industry carve-outs rather than an overll ban.
