PFAS ban
PFAS stands for "per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances". The best-known group of polymers include PTFE, PVDF and FKM, which are widely used, for example, in sealing technology, surface coatings and in technical chemicals such as lubricants. As these substances do not break down, or do so only very slowly over time, they are also known as "forever chemicals". Some of these chemicals are suspected of being harmful to health. As a result, this group of substances has caught the attention of regulatory bodies.
In February 2023, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published a restriction proposal for all PFAS substances. This proposal was submitted by the relevant authorities of the EU member states of the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway. The proposal aims to ban the manufacture, use, import and sale of all PFAS substances and goods containing PFAS. The restriction proposal thus goes beyond the restrictions of the chromium(VI) ban imposed in 2016; this ban was related to the manufacture and use of the substance, but not to the use and sale of goods containing chromium(VI).
- Fasteners/sealing elements containing the following substances: FKM, VITON, PTFE, TEFLON, FPM, FFKM, PVDF, FEP, ETFE
- Surface coatings, especially zinc flake coatings
- Certain technical chemicals such as lubricants
In September 2023, the public consultation phase ended, during which all the relevant parties had the opportunity to provide ECHA with further information on the scientific, technical and socio-economic impact of a ban on PFAS substances. The committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) of the ECHA are now evaluating the proposed restriction, taking into account the information they have received during the consultation. This phase is not expected to be completed until the end of 2025 at the earliest.
Subsequently, the proposal will be discussed by the European Commission, which will then decide on the restrictions. A decision is expected to be made at the beginning of 2027. This will be followed by a transition phase of at least 18 months. This means that a PFAS ban is not expected until mid-2028 at the earliest.
The PFAS restriction proposal is the most comprehensive restriction proposal to date and there is no empirical evidence for its development and an assessment of the timeline yet.
At Würth Industrie Service, we constantly keep ourselves updated about the applicable substance restrictions and latest developments regarding the planned PFAS ban, and are always in touch with our suppliers in order to be able to react to developments at an early stage. As part of our legal obligations, we inform our customers about any substances of concern contained in their products.
As the legal situation regarding the possible restriction of PFAS substances has not been decided yet and there are still no (commercially available) technical substitutes for many of the concerned products, we advise against changing products at this time. We will keep you informed of any new findings and will support our customers in implementing the appropriate measures at the appropriate time.
More information:
- Further information on PFAS can be found on the website of the German Environment Agency (UBA) (only in German)
If you have any questions, please contact our experts:
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