▪︎ REACH
PFAS Restriction Procedure:
Current Status
The restriction process for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) covers more than 10,000 substances used in over 14 sectors. The number of companies affected is just as large. Consideration of all the data and the creation of a balanced draft law is a mammoth task. The ECHA has now published information on the status of the process.
Background Information
As early as January 2023, authorities from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden submitted a REACH dossier to the ECHA for the restriction of PFAS. The subsequent consultation resulted in a flood of more than 5,600 scientific and technical comments. Their evaluation revealed applications of PFAS that the current draft dossier does not consider.
Identified PFAS applications
Examples of newly found uses are:
- Seals for industrial, commercial and consumer applications, including pipe linings, sealing rings and valve parts
- Technical textiles, for example in the form of high-performance membranes in the medical sector or in the form of tarpaulins for covering purposes in outdoor areas.
- Consumables for printing technology
- Medical applications, for example in the form of packaging and excipients for pharmaceuticals
Additional new findings
The consultation provided further insights – for example on the availability of alternative substances for fluoropolymers, on measures to minimize their emissions and, finally, on the socio-economic impact of a restriction. Special attention will therefore be paid to this group of substances in the future.
The next steps
In 2025, the Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) will publish their opinions. This will be followed by additional public consultation.
If you have any questions about PFAS and other substances whose use is restricted, please contact us at sales@kft.de.