Restriction proposal on PFASs: new survey | Umweltbundesamt

On 15 July 2021, the ⁠REACH⁠ competent authorities of Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Denmark declared their intention to submit a joint dossier for a restriction proposal on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) by July 2022. The restriction shall cover the manufacture, placing on the market and use of all PFASs in the EU. PFASs are poorly degradable in the environment and therefore remain in the environment for a very long time. Some PFASs accumulate in animals, plants and humans and are also harmful to health. Furthermore, there is a risk that they contaminate groundwater, surface water and drinking water.

In parallel, the authorities published brief summaries of already collected information on various uses of PFASs. In a new survey, affected stakeholders (associations and companies) as well as manufactures of alternatives are invited to supplement or correct information. The aim of this survey is to ensure that the available information reflects the current market situation and to fill data gaps. We encourage all stakeholders to submit all relevant information until October 17 2021. Hereby, possible derogations for some uses of PFASs that will also be important for society in the future can be identified and all relevant information can be considered when submitting the restriction proposal in the coming year.