Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances to be restricted

Back in January 2023, Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands submitted a proposal for a comprehensive ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) -the EU agency responsible for the management and regulation of chemicals. PFAS are a group of thousands of synthetic chemicals that are also known as "forever chemicals" due to their long lifespan. The carbon-fluorine bonds they contain are among the strongest chemical bonds in organic chemistry. That is why their degradation is not only very difficult, but also very cost-intensive.

Spread poses a high risk

PFAS are increasingly being detected in groundwater, surface water and soil. In particular, their spread in the environment is a major problem. An international collaboration of journalists, the "Forever Pollution Project", published in 2023 that more than 17,000 sites across Europe are already contaminated by PFAS, including 2,100 where the level of contamination is already hazardous to the health of those exposed. In addition, there are a further 21,000 locations where relevant pollution that is attributable to current or industrial activities is suspected. PFAS also pose a risk to human health. They are associated with cancer, diabetes and obesity. A study from January 2024 also shows that exposure to PFAS can even affect unborn children.

PFAS are widely used in industry

The industry has already pointed out several times that PFAS have properties that render them indispensable. They are responsible for making products water-, dirt- or grease-repellent. Products containing PFAS are also widely used in society. They can be found in outdoor clothing, pans, cosmetics, packaging for fast food and fire extinguishing agents, for instance. A comprehensive ban on all PFAS would therefore have far-reaching effects on industrial processes and the manufacturers of many products.

Current and previous prohibition proceedings

In the past, there have already been several proposals at EU level to restrict various specific PFAS. However, the application submitted at the beginning of 2023 is the most far-reaching to date. The EU-Member States and Norway are calling for a blanket restriction on the manufacture, placing on the market and use of PFAS. Since 7 December 2023, the ECHA Scientific Committees have been analysing the proposal and the comments received during the planned consultation. Their opinions form the basis for the Commission's subsequent discussions with the Member States. They then jointly decide on a possible legally binding restriction. In order to establish alternatives to PFAS, the required restriction provides for various transitional periods.

ECHA had previously proposed a separate restriction of specific PFAS in firefighting foam in January 2022. The Commission is already consulting with the Member States on this. A limit value for PFAS concentrations in water was also stipulated in the revised Water Quality Directive (EU) 2020/2184 in 2020. This will apply from January 2026.