The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published the updated proposal to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under the EU’s chemicals regulation, REACH.
PFAS substances have been used in the leather industry in chemicals for providing water resistance or oil and stain repellency to finished leather. Chemical suppliers have been providing PFAS-free chemicals ahead of any future legislation and restrictions.
The update has been prepared by the authorities from Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, who submitted the initial proposal in January 2023. The five authorities, acting as the Dossier Submitter, have completed their evaluation of the more than 5,600 scientific and technical comments received from third parties during the 2023 consultation. Based on the evidence gathered, they have updated their initial restriction proposal. This updated report, called the Background Document, forms the basis for ECHA’s committees’ opinions. This document may still be updated further, based on the evaluation of the committees.
The five authorities have, among other things, identified and carried out assessments across eight sectors that were not specifically named in the initial proposal. These sectors are:
Printing applications
Sealing applications
Machinery applications
Other medical applications, such as immediate packaging and excipients for pharmaceuticals
Military applications
Explosives
Technical textiles
Broader industrial uses, such as solvents and catalysts.
In addition, they have considered alternative restriction options, beyond a full ban or a ban with time-limited derogations for certain applications. These options involve conditions allowing the continued manufacture, placing on the market or use of PFAS where the risks can be controlled. These alternative options have been assessed by the Dossier Submitter for:
PFAS manufacturing
Transport
Electronics and semiconductors
Energy
Sealing applications
Machinery applications
Technical textiles.
ECHA’s scientific committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) will continue to evaluate the proposed restriction. The Agency aims to provide the European Commission with a transparent, independent, and high-quality RAC and SEAC opinion as soon as possible.
The European Commission will then ultimately decide on the final restrictions in consultation with the EU Member States.
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