The website of the European Chemical Administration (ECHA) now provides detailed information on the restriction of about 10000 perfluoroalkyl substances and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The scientific committee of ECHA will now begin to assess the risks to human and environment and the impact on society of the proposal.

Helsinki, February 7, 2023 - The proposal was prepared by the authorities of Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden and submitted to ECHA on January 13, 2023. It aims to reduce PFAS emissions into the environment and make products and processes safer for people.

All PFAS within the scope of the proposal are very durable in the environment. If their emissions are not minimized, humans, plants and animals will be more and more exposed to these pollutants, and will reach the level of negative impact on human health and the environment without restrictions. The authorities estimate that if no action is taken, about 4.4 million tons of PFAS will eventually enter the environment in the next 30 years.

Peter van der Zandt, director of ECHA risk assessment, said: "The landmark proposal put forward by the five agencies supports the ambition of the EU Chemical Strategy and Zero Pollution Action Plan. Now, our scientific committee will begin to evaluate and form opinions. Although it will be challenging to evaluate such a broad proposal containing thousands of substances and many uses, we are ready."


next step

The Scientific Committee of Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio-economic Analysis (SEAC) of ECHA will check whether the proposal meets the legal requirements of REACH at its meeting in March 2023. If it meets the requirements, the committee will begin to conduct a scientific evaluation of the proposal The six-month consultation is planned to begin on March 22, 2023.

RAC will give opinions on whether the proposed restrictions are suitable for reducing the risks to people's health and the environment, while SEAC's opinions will focus on the socio-economic impact, namely the social benefits and costs associated with the proposal. The two committees formed their opinions on the basis of the information in the restriction proposal and the opinions received in the consultations. The Commission also considered the recommendations of the Law Enforcement Forum on the enforceability of the proposed restrictions. Once the opinions are adopted, they will be sent to the European Commission, which will then decide the potential restrictions together with the EU member states.

An online information conference will be organized on April 5, 2023 to explain the restriction process and help those interested in participating in the consultation.

See the schedule below for the next steps.

ECHA issues PFAS restriction proposal