ECHA and five European countries issue progress update on PFAS restriction

Purpose:
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and five European countries, namely Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden, have released a progress update on the process to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Europe. This update aims to provide an overview of the current status of the PFAS restriction proposal, highlighting the key developments, challenges, and next steps in the evaluation process.

The purpose of this progress update is to keep stakeholders informed about the ongoing work on the PFAS restriction proposal. The update provides a detailed account of the scientific and technical comments received from third parties during the consultation period, as well as the Dossier Submitters’ efforts to incorporate new information and address emerging issues.

Effects on Industry:
The PFAS restriction process is likely to have significant effects on various industries, including manufacturers, suppliers, and users of PFAS products. The proposal aims to restrict the manufacture, placing on the market, and use of PFAS in Europe, which could lead to changes in business practices, supply chains, and product formulations.

As the proposal progresses, companies may need to adapt their operations, invest in new technologies or processes, and potentially face costs associated with implementing alternative solutions. The restriction process may also create opportunities for innovation and the development of safer alternatives to PFAS products.

Relevant Stakeholders:
The following stakeholders are directly affected by the PFAS restriction proposal:

• Manufacturers and suppliers of PFAS products
• Users of PFAS products, including industries such as textiles, food packaging, and firefighting
• Companies involved in the production of alternative materials or technologies to replace PFAS
• Environmental organizations and advocacy groups concerned about the environmental and health impacts of PFAS

Next Steps:
The next steps in the PFAS restriction process include:

• ECHA’s scientific committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) will continue to evaluate the proposal, considering the updated information and comments from stakeholders
• The Dossier Submitters will refine their proposal based on the evaluation outcomes and feedback from ECHA’s committees
• Alternative restriction options, such as conditions allowing the continued manufacture or use of PFAS, are being considered for specific uses and sectors

Any Other Relevant Information:
The progress update document provides further details about the ongoing work on the PFAS restriction proposal. Stakeholders can access additional information through the following resources:

• The progress update document [PDF] (EN)
• The Restriction on the manufacture, placing on the market and use of PFAS page
• The Status of ECHA’s scientific evaluation of proposal to restrict PFAS [PDF] (EN)