ECHA Officially Publishes Its Opinion on the Classification of Trifluoroacetic Acid (TFA) and Its Salts

On October 6, 2026, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) officially published the final opinion on the harmonized classification and labelling (CLH) of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and its inorganic salts on its website. The opinion decides to classify them as PMT (persistent, mobile, and toxic) and vPvM (very persistent, very mobile) substances. Based on the opinion, CIRS Group provides the following interpretation for you.

Background

In June 2026, the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) made a historic decision at the RAC-77 meeting to classify trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and its inorganic salts as PMT and vPvM substances for the first time. This month, the final opinion was officially published on the ECHA website and simultaneously submitted to the European Commission (EC) for subsequent review.

Final Classification Opinion

Specific Classification Changes for TFA

a) New classifications:

• Repr. 1B (H360Df): May damage the unborn child. Suspected of damaging fertility.
• PMT (EUH450): Persistent, mobile and toxic substance.
• vPvM (EUH451): Very persistent and very mobile substance.
• EUH071: Corrosive to the respiratory tract.

b) Adjusted classifications:

• Acute toxicity (inhalation) upgraded from Category 4 (H332) to Category 3 (H331), with the ATE value tightened to 3 mg/L (vapour).
• Added Acute toxicity (oral) Category 4 (H302), with an ATE of 500 mg/kg body weight.

c) Retained existing classifications:

• Skin Corr. 1A (H314)
• Aquatic Chronic 3 (H412)

Next Steps

ECHA stated that the RAC's opinion has now been submitted to the European Commission. The Commission will decide whether to adopt the proposed harmonized classification after consulting with Member States and stakeholders. If adopted, trifluoroacetic acid and its inorganic salts will be included in the CLP Regulation, becoming legally binding EU-wide harmonized classification standards, and may trigger additional regulatory measures under EU sectoral legislation.

CIRS Insights

Once the European Commission approves the RAC's classification proposal, TFA and its salts will be included in the harmonized classification list in Annex VI of the CLP Regulation. Companies should note the following:

1. Labeling obligations: All TFA products must display the GHS08 (Health Hazard), GHS06 (Skull and Crossbones), and GHS05 (Corrosion) pictograms, with the signal word "Danger".
2. Safety Data Sheet (SDS) update: New hazard statements (H360Df, EUH450, EUH451, etc.) must be included.
3. Downstream communication obligations: All links in the supply chain need to re-evaluate risk management measures.
4. Potential restriction measures: The PMT/vPvM classification may trigger further restriction assessments under the REACH Regulation.

CIRS Group will continue to monitor the progress of TFA classification regulations and provide enterprises with the latest compliance information.

Why Choose CIRS

CIRS Group is a leading provider of comprehensive regulatory compliance services and solutions for chemicals, cosmetics, food and food-related products, agrochemicals, and medical devices. Its chemical team consists of experts with extensive knowledge in chemistry, toxicology, environmental science, and related fields. They are well-versed in various international regulations, including but not limited to CSCL, EU REACH, CLP, GHS, TSCA, and K-REACH. 

CIRS operates a subsidiary in the European Union. By leveraging the expertise of CIRS EU and the international team, CIRS can provide enterprises with various chemical services in the EU, including but not limited to:

• EU REACH Registration (including OR services);
• EU REACH Evaluation Compliance Services;
• SVHC Testing;
• PPWR Compliance Services;
• EU CLP Compliance;
• EU Poison Center Notification;  
• EU BPR Compliance;
• EU PoPs Compliance;
• PFAS Testing
• Global GHS compliance

If you need any assistance or have any questions, please get in touch with us via service@cirs-group.com.

Further information

ECHA