On Wednesday 20 November, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published a progress report on its project to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Europe. ECHA and the five national authorities behind the project (Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden) are considering including an option other than a total ban and a ban with time-limited derogations.
An “alternative option” would allow “the continued manufacture, placing on the market or use of PFAS instead of a ban (...) for uses and sectors where evidence suggests that a ban could lead to disproportionate socio-economic impacts”. This would apply to batteries, fuel cells and electrolysers. ECHA has specified that this list is not exhaustive, as the assessment is still underway.
New uses not covered in the initial dossier have been identified. These include waterproofing, technical textiles, printing and packaging for pharmaceutical products.
Contacted by Agence Europe, Christophe Clergeau (S&D, French) found it “shocking (...) that the announcement is being made even before ECHA has come to a conclusion on the socio-economic impacts of the initial proposal”. The report already mentions batteries and fuel cells, while ECHA’s socio-economic assessment committee “does not plan to discuss the impacts of the restriction on the energy sector until 2025”, noted the MEP.
He sees this announcement as “the result of the chemical industry putting pressure on the authorities of the Member States” and is critical of the idea that “PFAS are absolutely necessary for the energy transition”. He will be addressing the new European Commission once it is in place. (Original version in French by Florent Servia)