• Date 2021-07-21

On 15 July, the national authorities of Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Denmark formally declared their intention to submit a restriction proposal on per- and polyfluorinated substances (PFAS) to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) by 15 July 2022.

PFAS are chemicals that are, or ultimately transform into, persistent substances and thus remain in the environment for ages. The extreme persistence of PFAS leading to irreversible environmental exposure and accumulation is a reason for major concern. Due to their water solubility, they pose a risk of contaminating groundwater, surface water and drinking water. Harmful effects on humans and the environment cannot be ruled out either.

The Member States published short summaries of the information they have gathered so far, accompanied by a questionnaire. This is to ensure that the information already available reflects the current market situation as well as possible and that remaining data gaps are closed.

Therefore, the second consultation is primarily aimed at industry associations and companies affected by the restriction, but also companies that produce alternatives to PFAS or have knowledge about them.

Stakeholders affected by the restriction can check or complete data via questionnaire on the website of the Federal Chemicals Agency (BfC) until 17 October 2021.

Source and further information on the consultation: https://www.reach-clp-biozid-helpdesk.de/EN/Home/German_propsal_restriction/PFAS/PFAS.html