The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has announced that Germany has withdrawn its originally planned restriction proposal for 1,4-dioxane in surfactants. This decision is based on new findings regarding the pathways through which the substance enters the environment, which were uncovered during regulatory investigations.
German authorities now intend to examine this information in greater depth and reassess the appropriateness of potential regulatory measures. As part of this process, the scope of a future restriction proposal may also be adjusted.
The Federal Office for Chemicals (BfC – Bundesstelle für Chemikalien) has informed ECHA accordingly; the update to the entry in the Registry of Intentions (RoI) was made on 27 August 2025. Further details on the ongoing evaluation and potential next steps will be published shortly via the German Helpdesk.
The TEGEWA association has been closely involved with the issue from the outset, in close coordination with the European surfactants association CESIO. The original restriction proposal would have posed significant challenges and impacts for the surfactants industry, so the announced reassessment raises hopes for a more balanced and appropriate solution.
TEGEWA will continue to closely monitor and actively support the further developments.
Further information is available here (German language): Helpdesk – Announcements – Withdrawal of the RoI Entry for 1,4-Dioxane – Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.