ECHA seeks input on proposed fluorochemicals restriction

Helsinki – The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) has called on interested parties to send in scientific and technical information on fluorinated chemicals, as the six-month consultation period on the restriction proposal for fluorochemicals opened 22 March.

Prepared by the Danish, German, Dutch, Norwegian and Swedish authorities, the consultation covers the manufacture, placing on the market and use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Deadline for submission of information is end of the day on 25 Sept.

The consultation, said ECHA, is to give “anyone with information on PFAS” the opportunity to have their say.

Of particular interest is information relevant to the risks, socio-economic aspects, and alternative substances, it added.

ECHA’s scientific committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) will use the consultation input to evaluate the proposed restriction and to form an opinion on it.

An online information session will be held on 5 April where experts from ECHA and the five national authorities will explain the restriction process, the content of the proposal and how to participate in the consultation.

A separate 60-day consultation of SEAC’s draft opinion concerning ECHA’s proposal to ban the placing on the market, use and formulation of all PFAS in firefighting foams is open from 15 March until 15 May.