News
17.01.2025

ECHA update on PFAS restriction process

Further assessment is underway into uses, restriction options other than a ban, with further consultation planned for 2025. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) indicates that this is because of the complexity of the dossier (> 10 000 substances used in more than ten different sectors) and follows wide input to the public consultation on a draft restriction proposal (Feb. 2023), with 5 600 comments, leading to identification of further uses, specific questions on fluoropolymers, and considerable information on hazards and risks, on economic impacts of possible restrictions and on alternatives. Restriction options other than a ban or time-limited restrictions are therefore being considered (that is, possibly no horizon date for some uses where impacts of a ban would be disproportionate). This particularly targets sustainable energy technologies (batteries, fuel cells, electrolysers), semiconductors and medical devices. Further public consultation will be organised in 2025 on a draft ECHA Opinion after consultation of ECHA’s RAC (Risk Assessment) and SEAC (Socio-Economic Analysis) Committees. Fire safety is concerned as PTFE (a PFAS polymer) is widely used as a robust and versatile processing agent for polymer compounds and, alongside flame retardants, is very effective to prevent flaming dripping and reduce smoke in fire.

“Progress update on the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) restriction process”, European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), 20th November 2024 https://echa.europa.eu/-/echa-and-five-european-countries-issue-progress-update-on-pfas-restriction