Following the publication of the opinions from the ECHA[1] Risk assessment (RAC) and Socio-economic analysis (SEAC) committees on PFAS[2] restrictions, AnimalhealthEurope calls for greater recognition of the wide-ranging benefits of veterinary medicines and the need to ensure time-unlimited derogations for their active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), which have been formally authorised based on their safety, quality and efficacy.

The animal health industry understands and shares public concern about the potential human health and environmental impacts of certain PFAS, including those that have already been restricted and included in the Stockholm Convention for these reasons.

Whilst the sector acknowledges that EU-wide action is needed, our sector relies on APIs which may be classified as PFAS, as well as other PFAS and fluoropolymer-containing materials (e.g. gaskets, stoppers, filters, selected packaging materials etc.) for the continued safe manufacturing, distribution and use of veterinary medicines, including vaccines. During this consultation phase and beyond, we are therefore looking forward to working together with SEAC and the European Commission on appropriate derogations for uses for which no alternatives currently exist, and on the necessary risk management measures to reduce emissions to the absolute minimum possible. The ultimate goal should be to manage PFAS responsibly, while safeguarding the health and welfare of Europe’s companion animals as well as livestock, and ensuring the sustainability and affordability of our food supply.

Roxane Feller, AnimalhealthEurope Director General commented:

“Access to veterinary medicines including vaccines, is a prerequisite for animal health, for animal welfare, food safety, and for our shared One Health. Consistent with our values of corporate and social responsibility, the animal health industry endeavours to continue producing these essential medicines through a supply chain that keeps the impact on the environment as low as possible.

While the number of PFAS APIs in our sector is very limited, they fulfil essential therapeutic needs for animal care that are hard to replace. Our member companies are already devoting research efforts attempting to ensure substitution of PFAS uses where possible. To avoid disruptions in animal care and safeguard medicines’ efficacy and availability, sufficient time will need to be accorded for valid future alternatives to be identified, supply guaranteed, and regulatory approval to be granted. Currently, there are no alternatives fulfilling the high EU pharmaceutical production standards for any of the numerous uses. Restriction decisions should be based on availability of alternatives and socio-economic impacts.”

– ENDS –

Notes for editors:

• The 60-day consultation on SEAC’s draft opinion runs until 25 May 2026, inviting stakeholders to submit evidence-based feedback via a structured survey.
• AnimalhealthEurope represents 14 of Europe’s leading manufacturers of animal medicines and 16 national associations in 20 countries, covering 90% of the European Market.

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[1] European Chemicals Agency

[2] Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances