The REACH Competent Authorities of the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway are currently preparing a REACH Annex XV restriction dossier for the group of PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances), as all these substances are considered persistent. They are now seeking further information for the proposed restriction to fill knowledge gaps, particularly regarding alternatives to PFAS.

Companies, associations and other stakeholders can participate in the survey at https://link.webropolsurveys.com/Participation/Public/c4d58b80-5227-4f31-b656-92bc0669e41e?displayId=Ger2322406.

Background:

All PFASs are persistent substances or convert to persistent substances over time. Once released, PFASs remain in the environment for long periods of time.

Due to their water solubility and mobility, contamination of surface, ground and drinking water as well as soil has occurred in the EU and worldwide and will continue. It has proven difficult and extremely costly to remove PFAS after their release into the environment. In addition, some PFAS have been shown to be toxic and/or bioaccumulative to both human health and the environment.

If no action is taken, their concentrations will continue to increase, and their toxic and polluting effects will be difficult to reverse.

Restriction under the chemicals legislation (REACH) is considered the most effective tool to control the risks posed by substances such as PFAS used in industrial processes, but also in products (mixtures and articles). Moreover, it is considered the most effective and efficient means to manage such a large and complex group of substances used in numerous applications.

The proposed restrictions will affect the manufacture, placing on the market, and use of PFASs. Exemptions (with conditions) for certain uses could be possible under certain circumstances, such as when stakeholders can demonstrate that life-cycle emissions are minimized through appropriate measures and that the continued use of PFAS in the particular application is important to society. Conceivable conditions for exemptions could be the establishment of a concentration limit or the introduction of a labeling requirement. Exemptions can also be limited in time.