Productive Dialogues Prevail
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is currently in the midst of a significant decision-making process, with the potential to revolutionise the regulation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), including fluoropolymers such as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, trade name Teflon).
In January 2023, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden submitted a dossier to ECHA, calling for a restriction on all PFASs. Since then, the agency's Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Committee for Socio- Economic Analysis (SEAC) have been working diligently to evaluate the proposal.
Over 5,600 comments were received during a public consultation from March to September 2023 and have been incorporated into the dossier. The committees meet four times a year and hold sector-specific discussions to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
The process is being discussed by these two committees, with an 18-month transition period planned following the Commission's decision. The inclusion of fluoropolymers in the planned restriction has not changed, but a third restriction option is being evaluated for some sectors, focusing on preventing emissions instead of a complete ban in certain uses.
This third option could be used if the socio-economic impact of banning a particular PFAS use is disproportionate. The RAC is examining whether the proposed restriction is appropriate to reduce risks to health and the environment, while SEAC looks at the social impacts.
Amanda Rensmo from Stockholm University is now taking over as the representative from the European Chemical Society in the ECHA committees. She is researching PFASs and PFAS alternatives in the energy transition. Juliane Glüge, who previously represented the European Chemical Society in the ECHA committees on the planned PFAS restriction, has resigned due to a new job at the Swiss Federal Office for the Environment.
Emissions during the production of fluoropolymers are a significant issue, generating several hundred tons of PFASs annually. The committees are considering the impact on the environment and European competitiveness.
The proposal for a PFAS restriction will be submitted to the EU Commission in 2026 at the earliest. Some use sectors, including cosmetics, ski wax, and textiles, have preliminary opinions from the ECHA committees. The restriction proposal and opinions will go to the EU Commission for a decision, with a transition phase potentially beginning in 2027.
However, the search results do not specify which countries are currently involved in the evaluation of a possible exemption for fluoropolymers from the planned PFAS restriction. Implying active involvement at least from EU member states.
Bans will probably not take effect before 2028, providing ample time for industries to adapt to the new regulations. The EU is currently regulating the entire PFAS class, but the upcoming decision on fluoropolymers could mark a significant step forward in the global fight against PFAS pollution.
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