Industry Preparation for the SEAC Public Consultation on PFAS and Refrigerant F-Gases
The Container Owners Association (COA) successfully held its Reefer Refrigerant Webinar on Tuesday 27 January 2026, bringing together COA Members to discuss preparations for the forthcoming EU public consultation on the proposed EU-wide restriction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), including refrigerant F-Gases and PTFE seals and gaskets.
The webinar formed part of COA’s ongoing work to support Members in advance of the SEAC public consultation, which is expected to commence following the Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) meeting in March 2026.
Webinar Recording and Presentations
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Presentations
COA Reefer Refrigerants Webinar SEAC consultation 27 Jan 2026
COA Reefers 3rd Generation Refrigerants Challenges 27 Jan 2026
Background: SEAC Public Consultation on PFAS
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has announced that it will launch a public consultation on the draft opinion of its Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) on the proposed PFAS restriction.
The SEAC draft opinion will assess:
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Socio-economic impacts of the proposed restrictions
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Availability of alternative substances and technologies
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Implications for affected industries, including the reefer intermodal sector
The consultation is expected to open shortly after the SEAC meeting in March 2026 and will remain open for 60 days, during which stakeholders, including COA, will be able to submit feedback.
🔗 Further information from ECHA:
https://echa.europa.eu/-/echa-to-consult-on-pfas-draft-opinion-in-spring-2026
COA Technical Guidance – TG-08
The webinar also referenced COA Technical Guidance Document TG-08 – Regulatory Issues Concerning Reefer F-Gases, which was developed in response to the initial ECHA proposal issued in 2024.
TG-08:
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Provides an overview of proposed PFAS and F-Gas regulations
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Assesses potential impacts on the reefer intermodal industry
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Formed the basis of COA’s previous submission to ECHA