ECHA scrutinizes more sectors in sweeping PFAS Restriction Proposal
RAC/SEAC committees will evaluate F-gases, transport and construction products after September
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has announced the next wave of sectors it will evaluate in its comprehensive analysis of the proposed EU-wide on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) Restriction Proposal, often referred to as «forever chemicals.» This ambitious restriction, the largest and most complex ever undertaken by the bloc, aims to limit or eliminate PFAS use across various industries.
Following a sector-by-sector approach, ECHA’s scientific committees – the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) and the Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) – will begin assessing applications of PFAS in:
- fluorinated gases, transport products, and construction materials starting in October 2024. This follows their evaluation of PFAS use in:
- textiles, food contact materials, and the petroleum and mining sectors scheduled for September 2024.
This announcement comes after a recent statement by a European Commission official, indicating a delay in the initial release date of the restriction proposal. Originally planned for 2025, the proposal is now expected to be delivered sometime in 2025 as RAC progresses through the remaining sectors. SEAC chair Maria Ottati emphasized the committees’ commitment to expedite the process while maintaining the highest quality scientific opinions. They acknowledge their dependence on updates to the initial dossier submitted by the five proposing countries.
Stakeholders interested in participating in discussions specific to each sector can submit applications, adhering to specific criteria set by ECHA.
Hazard Assessment Progress (PFAS Restriction Proposal)
During their June meetings, RAC and SEAC reached provisional conclusions on several categories:
- Consumer mixtures (cleaners, polishes, and waxes), cosmetics, and ski wax.
- Metal plating and manufacture of metal products.
RAC, led by chair Roberto Scazzola, identified persistence as the primary concern regarding PFAS, highlighting potential additional environmental and human health risks associated with certain substances. Notably, the committee rejected the proposed exclusion of specific PFAS based solely on their perceived degradability in the environment.
The issue of exemptions is particularly contentious. While multiple sectors, especially those utilizing polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), are pushing for an exemption due to its perceived low risk and emission control measures, recent scientific recommendations advocate for its inclusion in the restriction. SEAC, under Ottati’s leadership, is currently evaluating the availability and cost of alternative materials across various PFAS applications, alongside the proportionality of the restriction itself.
It’s important to remember that these conclusions reached by RAC and SEAC are provisional. The final opinions will be adopted only after the complete evaluation of the entire restriction proposal.
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Source: Enhesa
