EU to tighten restrictions on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in clay dishes under REACH

On 1 April 2025, the European Commission adopted Regulation (EU) 2025/660 amending Annex XVII of Regulation 1907/2006 (REACH) of the European Parliament and of the Council by restricting the use of 18 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in clay dishes.

Regulation 2025/660: Why?

PAHs are classified as hazardous substances due to their carcinogenicity, persistence, bioaccumulative and toxic properties (PBT), as well as their very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) characteristics. To protect human health and the environment, Article 50 of Annex XVII of REACH limits the content of PAHs in certain mixtures and articles, such as clay targets used by sport shooters and small game hunters for target practice.

This regulation aims at reducing persistent pollutants by approximately 99%.

Regulation 2025/660: What's new?

The following list of substances has been drawn up which may not be placed on the market or used on their own or as components of other substances in clay targets when their sum exceeds the concentration limit of 0.005 % (50 mg/kg):

Regulation 2025/660: When?

Regulation 2025/660 will enter into force on 21 April 2025, however, a transitional period of 12 months is provided for, so that from 22 April 2026 it will become mandatory.