ECHA: Next steps for "PFAS"

In March 2024, the ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) published the next steps of its working groups with regard to the restriction of "PFAS" (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in Europe on its website.

To this end, the two committees RAC (Risk Assessment) and SEAC (Socio-Economic Analysis) will review the comments submitted during the consultation phase last year and discuss the individual substance groups in separate meetings.

The first meeting took place in March 2024 and focused on the following substances: cosmetics, ski wax and consumer preparations. In addition, the RAC working group looked at the hazards of PFAS and the SEAC working group focused on the general approach to this. The highlights of this meeting can be found on the ECHA website.

The June meeting will focus on metal coatings and the manufacture of metal products. There will also be further discussions on the hazards of PFAS (through the RAC). The following substances and areas are planned to be considered in September 2024:

• Textiles
• Upholstery materials
• Leather
• Clothing
• Carpets (TULAC)
• Food contact materials and packaging
• Petroleum and mining

Further information on ECHA's approach to the restriction of PFAS can be found in the news section of the ECHA website.