PFAS update

More than 5,600 comments received on proposal PFAS restriction.

Erbivo is pleased to inform you that more than 4,400 organizations, companies and individuals have submitted their comments and information regarding the proposal to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) within the European Economic Area. As of September 25, at the end of the consultation period, ECHA had received more than 5,600 comments from this diverse group of stakeholders.

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What are the next steps?

Comments will be subject to thorough review by ECHA's Scientific Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC). Comments that provide substantial and evidence-based information will be included in the advisory process.

The five countries that originally drafted the proposal will also consider input from the consultation and consider adjusting their original proposal based on this feedback.

Many of the comments submitted during the consultation are already publicly available on the ECHA website. Confidential information indicated by stakeholders will not be made public. Comments submitted shortly before the deadline are currently being processed and will be published shortly.

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Regarding the next steps, the RAC and SEAC will evaluate the proposed mitigation scenario and consider all relevant information obtained during the consultation. In a series of meetings, these committees will develop independent scientific opinions, considering all relevant aspects and sectors involved.

ECHA will deliver the final opinions to the European Commission as soon as possible, ensuring a thorough examination by the Scientific Committees. Once the Committees have adopted their opinions, these will be made public. Finally, the European Commission, together with EU member states, will take a decision regarding the restriction.

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Background information

The initiative for the restriction was taken by the authorities of Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, which submitted the proposal to ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) on Jan. 13, 2023. The aim of this proposal is to reduce emissions of PFAS into the environment while making products and processes safer for human health. The consultation period for this initiative covered a six-month time frame from March 22 to Sept. 25, 2023.

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Source : https://echa.europa.eu

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