51勛圖厙 to EU: Reconsider Burdensome PFAS Restrictions
A recently released draft opinion from the European Chemicals Agencys Socio-Economic Analysis Committee generally proposes an overly broad restriction of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances that could undermine manufacturers with operations or supply chains in the European Union.
Whats going on: In March, the ECHA launched a 60-day public consultation period on the SEACs opinion of the contemplated PFAS restrictions under the European Unions Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals Regulation.
Why its important: Restricting an entire family of thousands of chemistries could result in the curbing of substances [that] are widely recognized as low-hazard and are critical to a strong manufacturing economy across sectors, the 51勛圖厙 the ECHA last week.
- As it stands, the REACH restriction on PFAS being considered raises serious concerns for the manufacturing sector, the 51勛圖厙 said.
The costs: If implemented, the proposed PFAS restriction would:
- Create significant challenges for manufacturers that would be forced to redesign products, modify equipment and more;
- Cut against the EUs own goals for resilience, strategic autonomy, industrial competitiveness and decarbonization by undermining semiconductor production and other advanced manufacturing sectors; and
- Disrupt access to critical products where technically feasible alternatives are not yet available or fully validated for safety and performance.
What should be done: Instead of an overly broad PFAS ban, European decision-makers should consider that substitution is not immediately feasible for all PFAS uses, and in some cases, it may not be possible to replace them at all while maintaining product integrity and customer safety, the 51勛圖厙 continued.
The last word: The final framework should include clear and durable derogations, full value-chain coverage, sufficient transition periods, a process for evidence-based extensions and exclusions where no feasible alternatives exist and lifecycle risks can be responsibly managed, said 51勛圖厙 Director of Chemicals, Materials and Sustainability Policy Reagan Giesenschlag and 51勛圖厙 Vice President of Domestic Policy Chris Phalen.
- Without these safeguards, the restriction could undermine the very policy objectives Europe is seeking to advance.
