PFAS Regulation Gains Momentum in Europe, UK Weighs Policy Options
Brussels, Belgium – The European Union is taking significant steps towards regulating per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of harmful "forever chemicals" linked to long-term health and environmental concerns.
ECHA, the European Chemicals Agency, is refining its proposed universal PFAS restriction, potentially allowing certain uses to continue under specific conditions. This revised approach comes after public feedback revealed previously unknown applications of PFAS, including sealing products, technical textiles, printing, and medical uses.
"[ newly identified uses include sealing applications, technical textiles, printing applications, and other medical applications. ]"
ECHA’s risk and socio-economic expert committees are expected to finalize their assessments in 2025. A second public consultation will follow, giving stakeholders a chance to contribute further information.
In his recent confirmation hearing, Stéphane Séjourné, the new Executive Vice-President of the EU, emphasized the need to address delays in regulating hazardous substances. He pledged to ban PFAS in personal care products, cosmetics, and technical clothing, adding that " [He] has also expressly committed to a zero-tolerance policy for their presence in baby bottles and diapers."
While committed to restricting consumer use, Séjourné’s stance on industrial applications remains unclear, emphasizing the concept of “essential use.” Discussions on codifying this principle into law are expected during the upcoming review of the REACH regulation.
France Faces Political Hurdles
France is also grappling with PFAS regulation. The country recently updated its decree on PFAS emissions from incinerators, requiring operators to submit emissions data and track even trace concentrations of PFAS, a move welcomed by environmental advocates.
"[Environmental concerns have been addressed by requiring that trace PFAS concentrations below quantification limits be recorded, rather than classified as “non-quantified.”]"
Despite these advancements, broader efforts to restrict PFAS face political roadblocks. An attempt by an ecological group to revive a 2023 bill promoting wider PFAS restrictions was met with mixed support, ultimately facing rejection or abstention from lawmakers.
Nicolas Thierry, a leading advocate for stricter PFAS regulations, plans to reintroduce the bill in February, highlighting the ongoing challenge of balancing environmental concerns with political will.
UK Considers Policy Options
Across the English Channel, the UK is also exploring its options for managing PFAS. Defra, the UK Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs, is assessing a range of policy options to reduce PFAS manufacturing, use, and emissions. This includes examining stakeholder-driven ideas through its PFAS working group.
The UK government emphasizes that these discussions are in the initial stages, with no commitment to specific measures yet. However, the focus remains on promoting safer alternatives and mitigating PFAS-related risks.
As the EU leads the charge in addressing PFAS, the actions taken by the UK and individual member states like France will have implications for PFAS regulation worldwide. The debate over PFAS highlights the complex balance between economic interests, technological advancements, and the urgent need to protect human health and the environment.
