Updates: PFAS Restriction Proposal to ECHA
By: SiliconExpert on February 23rd, 2023
As of January 13th, 2023, the national authorities of Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden have submitted a proposal to ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under REACH, the European Union’s (EU) chemicals regulation.[1]
PFAS, also known as ‘forever chemicals’, have been widely used in products since the early 1940s and can commonly be found in carpets, rugs, cookware, cosmetics, furniture, electronics, and more. In recent years they’ve come under scrutiny and regulation as studies have shown exposures can contribute to cancer, liver damage, fertility issues, and increased risk of asthma and thyroid disease.
According to the ECHA, all 10,000 PFASs are within the scope of the proposal and will be evaluated for their impact on people, and the environment. The primary goals of the proposal are to reduce the overall emission of PFAS into the environment and take action before substantial impact occurs.
Key Dates for Ratifying PFAS Regulation
The proposed restrictions and supporting documentation will be made available on February 7th, 2023, after being reviewed by the ECHA. This proposal is currently available for review on the ECHA’s website.
Starting in March 2023 the ECHA’s committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) will ensure the proposed restrictions meet the legal requirements of REACH. If met, these committees will begin their scientific evaluations.
On March 22nd, 2023 – a six-month consultation is planned to begin with an online informational session on April 5th, 2023.
The RAC and SEAC typically publish their opinions within 12 months from the start of the scientific evaluation in accordance with REACH, however the committees may need more time to finalize their opinions due to the complexity and broad scope of PFAS usage.
Proposed Restriction Conditions
- Ban of manufacture, placing on the market and use
- PFASs as such, as constituent in other substances or in mixtures as well as in articles.
- Above a set concentration limit
- Transition period: 18 months after entry into force
- Use-specific (time-limited) derogations
SiliconExpert’s Compliance Management Solution
The restriction and regulation of PFAS will continue, as we previously touched on in our “PFAS Bans Coming to USA” blog. Currently, the P5 Platform Compliance Module incorporates PFAS substances through REACH, PFOA, PFOS, and POPs.
SiliconExpert’s Compliance Solution
With the ongoing review of the PFAS proposal, and the continued evolution of PFAS bans on a global scale, SiliconExpert’s Compliance Team is working to maintain an up-to-date PFAS solution to better serve our customers. At this time, the P5 Platform Compliance Module incorporates PFAS substances through REACH, PFOA, PFOS, and POPs.
To learn more about SiliconExpert’s Compliance offerings, click the link below:
References:
- https://echa.europa.eu/-/echa-receives-pfass-restriction-proposal-from-five-national-authorities
- https://www.siliconexpert.com/pfas-usa/
- https://www.semi.org/en/blogs/semi-news/fluorinated-chemicals-are-essential-to-semiconductor-manufacturing-and-innovation
- https://echa.europa.eu/hot-topics/perfluoroalkyl-chemicals-pfas
- https://echa.europa.eu/candidate-list-table
- https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/pfas-health-risks-underestimated/
- https://echa.europa.eu/documents/10162/2082415/2023-02-07_pfas+media+briefing_en.pdf/1661579d-353a-2fb0-1062-38fc3eb4bd78?t=1675849038730
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXAZ3ath3To
- https://echa.europa.eu/restrictions-under-consideration/-/substance-rev/72301/term
Subscribe to Our Blogs
Join 74,000+ Electronic Component Leaders who receive their updates and insight from SiliconExpert’ Tech Updates! Subscribe today and get access to articles on latest industry trends, tech updates, white papers, research, infographics , events, webinars, and more.
Subscribe Now