ECHA updates PFAS restriction proposal

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published the updated proposal to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under REACH. Its Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) committees continue to evaluate the proposal. 

Authorities from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden submitted the initial proposal in January 2023 and carried out a six-month consultation from March to September 2023. They have now created a background document to form the basis for RAC’s and SEAC’s opinions, based on around 5,600 scientific and technical comments received. The authorities carried out assessments for eight sectors that were not specifically named in the initial proposal:

• Printing applications
• Sealing applications
• Machinery applications
• Other medical applications, such as immediate packaging and excipients
• Military applications
• Explosives
• Technical textiles
• Broader industrial uses, such as solvents and catalysts

In addition, they have considered alternative restriction options beyond a full ban or a ban with time-limited derogations for certain applications. These involve conditions allowing the continued manufacture, placing on the market or use of PFAS where the risks can be controlled. The applications are:

• PFAS manufacturing
• Transport
• Electronics & semiconductors
• Energy
• Sealing applications
• Machinery applications
• Technical textiles