Reducing PFAS emissions and supporting the transition to safer alternatives are central to the long-term approach set out in the PFAS Plan. As outlined in our response to recommendation 4, a key outcome of the plan is to enable industry to move away from PFAS use, while avoiding regrettable substitution by promoting stronger collaboration between industry, academia, regulators and researchers to support the development and uptake of effective alternatives. Under UK REACH, businesses are already required to understand the hazardous properties of substances, assess their uses and potential exposures, and communicate relevant information through the supply chain before placing substances on the market. This framework is designed to ensure that risks can be identified and managed appropriately, recognising that risk depends not only on a substance’s intrinsic hazardous properties but also on how it is used and controlled. Introducing a further regulatory approval process for new PFAS before they can be placed on the market would represent a significant change to the current UK REACH framework and would need to be considered alongside wider developments in chemicals regulation, including reforms being considered in the EU. Within the existing framework, REACH restrictions remain an important mechanism for managing unacceptable risks where evidence indicates regulatory intervention is required. As set out in earlier responses, we await to see the final EU REACH universal PFAS restriction. Alongside regulatory measures, we recognise the value of industry-led action to promote the responsible development and use of chemicals. Through the PFAS Plan, we have committed to promoting innovation in safer alternatives, building stronger links between researchers and industry, and supporting international work to assess available alternatives. This will include engaging with industry platforms, such as the Chemical Industries Association (CIA) PFAS Information Exchange Forum, to explore how information generated through UK REACH can be used more effectively to support informed decision-making, encourage responsible substitution, accelerate investment in safer alternatives, and reduce the risk of regrettable replacement of PFAS with equally harmful substances. In addition, the Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD) toolbox, developed with the EU Partnership for the Assessment of Risks from Chemicals (PARC), will further support designers, developers and risk assessors in identifying solutions that deliver functionality while improving safety and environmental sustainability.