Per- and polyfluoroalkyl chemicals, also known as “PFAS”, have been governed by EU legislation for years, e.g. under the REACH and CLP regulations. However, when PFAS are mentioned, several thousand substances are actually meant, many of which have not yet been regulated at all. What all PFAS have in common is that they are extremely persistent in the environment and accumulate in the food chain. However, the level of toxicity is different in each case. PFAS can be found as active substances e.g. in rainwear, mobile phones and solar panels.
PFAS are currently an issue in Hamburg where, according to Environment Senator Jens Kerstan, 50 areas are known to be contaminated with PFAS, also referred to as “forever chemicals”.
Following a proposal submitted by Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden, another wide range of PFAS is now to be subjected to regulation. As the portal haustec.de indicates, a large proportion of refrigerants used are also concerned in particular. However, a decision by the EU is not expected until 2025.
Economic actors affected, such as manufacturers or importers, are advised to start looking for substitutes at an early stage. trade-e-bility keeps its customers up to date with its Legal Monitoring service on relevant legislative changes.
The consultancy team at trade-e-bility will be pleased to advise you via +49/40/75068730-0 or beratung@trade-e-bility.de about solutions to help you achieve successful sales in the field of PFAS, especially with regard to mandatory labelling of products or packaging.
