In January 2023, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden submitted a proposal to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to restrict around 10 000 per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs). The main aim is to restrict the release of PFAS into the environment as they are very persistent substances. To cover all relevant substances, this restriction has a group approach to avoid regrettable substitution. In textiles, PFAS are used for example for their oil, water, chemical repellence and protection against dangerous liquids.
Timeline
- 13 January 2023 - Proposal from 5 countries submitted to ECHA
- 22 March 2023 – ECHA opens public consultation
- 5 April 2023 – ECHA online session on the proposal
- 25 September 2023 – ECHA’s public consultation closes
- 2023-2024 Discussions in ECHA’s RAC and SEAC Committees
- Once ECHA’s Committees have adopted their opinions, they will be sent to the Commission, who will draft a legal text and send it to the REACH Committee for a vote.
More information
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