The European Union has broadly restricted the collection of evidence by PFAS

PFAS restricted alerts:

On May 11, 2020, according to the European chemicals Agency (European Chemical Agency, ECHA) website news, five eu member countries (Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Denmark) invite relevant state departments of before July 31, 2020, is the use of perfluorinated alkyl substance and multiple fluorine alkyl (PFAS) provide evidence and information.The authorities of the five countries have agreed to develop a joint REACH restriction proposal to limit the production and use of PFAS in order to reduce the harm to the environment and human health caused by PFAS.The information gained through this consultation will be used to refine the proposal and to help analyze the effectiveness and socio-economic impact of different restrictions.

It is understood that the five countries will submit proposals for restrictions (annex XV to REACH) to the ECHA within the next two years.Then, as required by REACH, the proposal will be referred to the ECHA's scientific committee for their views.The final decision will be made by eu member states in the European commission and reviewed by the European parliament and council.The restrictions are expected to take effect in 2025.

PFAS USES:

PFAS is a large class of chemical synthetic substances, there are more than a thousand kinds, have unique physical and chemical properties, so it is widely used.For example, they are very stable at high temperatures, and many substances have surfactant properties and functions, such as as hydrophobic and fat-removing agents.Some of the major industries that use PFAS include aerospace and defense, automobiles, textiles, construction and household products, electronics, fire protection, food processing and medical supplies.Common products include anti-fouling and waterproof fabrics, non-stick products (such as teflon), waxes, paints, cleaning products, and fire-fighting foams.

Hazards of PFAS to the environment and human health:

PFAS molecules contain fluorocarbon bonds made up of carbon and fluorine atoms, and fluorocarbon bonds are among the strongest chemical bonds ever made, so these chemicals do not degrade in the environment.In fact, PFAS have been in the environment for so long that scientists cannot estimate their environmental half-life (that is, the time it takes for 50% of the chemicals to disappear).Studies have shown that PFOA and PFOS can cause reproductive and developmental defects, liver and kidney damage, and immune side effects in experimental animals. Both chemicals have also caused tumors in animal studies, while other toxicological studies are continuing.

Regulation of PFAS in the eu:

PFOS is subject to Persistent Organic Pollutants Regulation, while PFOA is subject to REACH Regulation. Some other substances are also included in the Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHC).In addition, the eu will also introduce new regulatory measures, we will continue to pay attention to.

GST reminds relevant enterprises to pay attention to the environmental regulations of the eu and other countries, so as to meet the latest legal requirements and avoid legal disputes. They can also follow our WeChat public account, and we will update the national laws and regulations in the first time.GST has a professional technical team that can track the latest developments in regulatory standards and help you develop the most comprehensive and economical compliance program.If you have any questions about REACH or other product compliance, please feel free to contact us.