SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, is advising stakeholders that on February 7, 2023, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) announced a proposal to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs).
The restriction proposal was prepared by Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden and is designed to protect human health and the environment.
PFASs are defined in the proposal as substances that contain at least one fully fluorinated methyl (CF3-) or methylene (-CF2-) carbon atom, without any H/Cl/Br/I attached to it. This definition contains few exceptions and is consistent with the July 2021 Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development definition.
PFASs, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), are used in a wide variety of products, including apparel, cosmetics, carpets, electronics, cookware and ski-wax, because of their ability to repel water, grease and oil.
SGS has published SafeGuardS 020.23 to help stakeholders understand the scope and requirements in the proposal. Included in the SafeGuardS is a table detailing the two restriction options contained within the proposal.
Stakeholders should also be aware of the following dates for the proposal:
– March 22, 2023 – start of six-month consultation
– April 5, 2023 – online information session to explain the restriction process
– September 22, 2023 – end of six-month consultation
– 2024 – opinion of Committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Social-economic Analysis (SEAC)
– 2025 – Commission decision and entry into force
– 2026/2027 – restriction becomes effective
SGS Chemical Testing
SGS offers a comprehensive range of testing services to help manufacturers and suppliers ensure their products are safe and comply with national and international regulations concerning harmful chemicals. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS Chemical Testing Services.
SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full ECHA Issues Restriction Proposal for PFAS SafeGuardS.
Subscribe here to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.
For further information contact:
Dr. Hingwo Tsang
Global Information and Innovation Manager
Tel: +852 2774 7420
Email: cp.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/cp
LinkedIn: sgs-consumer-goods-&-retail
About SGS
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