RIVM: Official start to ban PFAS in Europe

The Dutch RIVM, together with Germany, Sweden, Denmark and Norway, is setting a good example by preparing a proposal for a complete ban on the use, sale and production of PFAS in Europe.

2021 | RIVM: National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Netherlands

Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark and Norway formally announced the intention to submit a restriction proposal for PFAS to the European Chemicals Agency ECHA by 19 July 2022. A restriction proposal is a first step towards a European ban on PFAS. With a restriction on manufacturing, marketing authorization and use of PFAS, the countries want to stop the spread of PFAS in the environment and improve the quality of the environment and the health of people in the European Union. Special about this restriction is that it includes more than 6000 substances and many uses and products.

Survey on PFAS and alternatives: call for information

The five countries have published summaries of the information they have gathered about PFAS so far. In addition, they have created a questionnaire in order to gather further information to fill knowledge gaps. This survey is primarily aimed at relevant industry and industry associations, but is also aimed at companies that produce or have knowledge of alternatives to PFAS.

The aim of the survey is to ensure that the information about PFAS and alternatives is accurate and representative of the market situation so that we have the best basis for a knowledge-based restriction proposal for next year. Among other things, such information may form the basis for assessing any derogations or special conditions for certain applications of PFAS that are particularly important to society and where alternatives are not available.

Deadline for survey completion is October 17, 2021

In order to make such assessments, the five countries depend on cooperation with the industry and organizations, as they often have the most detailed information required in such assessments.

The questionnaire is open until October 17, 2021 and is available here.

We ask relevant companies to review the relevant information and to report necessary corrections or provide additional information.