ECHA expands PFAS restriction to eight additional sectors

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has extended its proposed restriction framework for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” to include eight new sectors. This expansion is the result of a public consultation that received more than 5,600 scientific and technical responses.

The newly added sectors include printing, sealing applications, mechanical engineering, other medical uses (such as packaging and excipients for pharmaceuticals), military applications, explosives, technical textiles, and broader industrial applications such as solvents and catalysts. The proposal aligns with the objectives of the REACH regulation to protect people and the environment from harmful chemical substances.

Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden had already submitted the original restriction dossier to ECHA in January 2023. The final decision now lies with the European Commission in consultation with EU Member States.

Source: ECHA publishes updated PFAS restriction proposal | Een PFAS-verbodsvoorstel met talloze uitzonderingen