ECHA Announces Proposal To Restrict 10,000 Per-And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

ECHA Announces Proposal To Restrict 10,000 Per-And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

The European Chemical Agency (ECHA) has come up with an update which states that around 10,000 Per-And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) has been proposed with the respective details. The complete proposal of the PFASS was prepared by the various authorities from Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands. This proposal was submitted to the ECHA on 13 January 2023. The primary aim of this proposal is to minimize the PFAS emissions and to make the products safer for the environment and human beings. Hence, in this blog, we will briefly explain the proposal announced by the ECHA to restrict 10,000 Per-And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) briefly.

A Complete Background On PFASS:

Per-And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASS) are a large classification which comes under synthetic chemicals that are used by all human beings daily. However, it is to be noted that researchers have found that these chemicals are persistently being harmful to mankind and the environment. So, the 10,000 Per-And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASS) that are included in the proposal are all persistent in nature and if their exposure is not limited it can have negative impact on the environment and the human beings. The authorities who have prepared the proposal have stated that around 4.4 million tons of PFASs would end up in the land within 30 years if appropriate action is not taken right now.

The further concerns with the emission of PFASS is their bioaccumulation, long range transport potential (LRTP), mobility, plant accumulation, global warming, and (eco)toxicological effects which enter the environment through manufacture, usage, and waste.

Initiatives Taken By The ECHA:

As the proposal for the PFASS is submitted, the next step taken by the ECHA is to analyze the proposal whether it meets the requirements of the REACH compliance effectively. 

ECHA’s committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) will look into the proposal precisely to meet the compliance in March 2023. If it happens, then the committee will soon look for the scientific evaluation of the proposal with a six month consultation which would begin from 22 March 2023.

The RAC’s assessment would be based on the proposal whether it is appropriate and is there any potential risk for mankind and the environment. While the SEAC’s report would be purely based on the benefits and costs associated with the society and the proposal. So, both committee’s opinions would be based on the restriction proposal and the information received duri

ng the consultation. It is also to be noted that the committee can also receive help from the enforcement forum for enforcing the restriction proposed. Hence, once the opinion is approved and sent to the European Commission then all together with EU Member States, will decide on the implementation of the restriction. It is also expected to have an online information session on 5 April 2023 for those who are willing to participate in the consultation.

Hence, the new proposal of 10,000 PFASS is yet to be finalized and future steps have to be taken by ECHA. So, Sunstream can be your ideal partner if the proposal turns out to be an amendment who can help you to stay compliant with REACH compliance and other related legislations. Talk to us for any needs in RoHS, REACH, Conflict Minerals and IMDS.