ECHA publishes updated PFAS restriction proposal

Helsinki – The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published updated proposals for the restriction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under the EU’s chemicals regulation REACH.

The report (link to document) have been prepared by the authorities from Denmark, Germany, The Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, who submitted the initial proposal* in January 2023, ECHA announced 20 Aug.

The five authorities updated their initial restriction proposal based on an evaluation of the more than 5,600 scientific and technical comments received from third parties during the 2023 consultation.

This updated report, called the 'background document', forms the basis for ECHA’s committees’ opinions. This document may still be updated further, based on the evaluation of the committees.

The five authorities have, among other steps, identified and carried out assessments for eight sectors that were not specifically named in the initial proposal.

The sectors are: sealing applications; printing applications; machinery applications; other medical applications, such as immediate packaging and excipients for pharmaceuticals; military applications; explosives; technical textiles; and broader industrial uses, such as solvents and catalysts.

In addition, the authorities have considered alternative restriction options, beyond a full ban or a ban with time-limited derogations for certain applications.

These options involve conditions allowing the continued manufacture, placing on the market or use of PFAS where the risks can be controlled.

These alternative options have been assessed for: PFAS manufacturing; transport; electronics and semiconductors; energy; sealing applications; machinery applications; and technical textiles.

ECHA said its scientific committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) continue to evaluate the proposed restriction.

The Helsinki-based agency "aims to provide the European Commission with a transparent, independent, and high-quality RAC and SEAC opinion as soon as possible."

The European Commission, it noted, will ultimately decide on the restriction in consultation with the EU Member States.

*The six-month consultation ran from 22 Mar to 25 Sept 2023. The proposal to restrict PFAS in the EU/EEA was submitted to the ECHA on 13 Jan 2023.