ECHA Releases PFAS Restriction Proposal

On February 7, 2023, European Chemical Agency (ECHA) unveiled the details of the proposed restriction of around 10,000 polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). The proposal was jointly prepared by authorities in Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, and Sweden and submitted to ECHA on January 13, 2023. It aims to reduce PFAS emissions into the environment and make products and processes safer for people.

The proposal covers all PFASs that exhibit extremely high persistence in the environment, with the exception of a few fully degradable PFAS subgroups. It suggests 2 restricted options with a transitional period of 18 months. Derogation period for certain PFAS uses has been formulated under option 2. The proposed restriction can be summarized as below:

Condition of restriction

Restricted option (RO)

Transitional period before RO takes effect

Duration of deragation

1. PFASs shall not be manufactured, used or placed on the market as substances on their own

2. PFASs shall not be placed on the market in:

another substance, as a constituent;
a mixture,
an article

3. Derogation scope:

Active substances in biocidal, plant protection, human and veterinary medicinal products.
Textiles used in personal protective equipment
Food contact materials
Implantable medical devices
...

RO1:Full ban

18 months

Not applicable

RO2: Ban with use-specific derogations

5 or 12 years after transition

period ends (unlimited time for exceptional cases)

Next, ECHA's scientific committees will assess if the proposal is compliant with the legal provisions specified in REACH. If it does, the committees will begin their scientific evaluation of the proposal. A six-month consultation is scheduled to start on March 22, 2023. An online information session will be held on April 5, 2023 to explain the restriction process and to assist individuals interested in participating in the consultation.

Click here to see the details of proposal.