The Netherlands, Denmark, Germany, Norway en Sweden have written a proposal for a European ban on PFAS (Per- en polyfluoralkylstoffen). A ban in this context is also referred to as a restriction. The proposal focuses on the entire group of PFAS substances in order to avoid one PFAS being replaced by another. Preparing a proposal is a long and intensive process.
Restriction PFAS; From intention to proposal to decision
This animation explains why a ban on PFAS is needed and what the process is to achieve this ban. With emphasis on the role of the RIVM (Bureau REACH) within the process.
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PFAS are chemicals found in many products.
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PFAS
Rainwear
Non-stick coating
Cosmetics
Medical equipment
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These substances spread easily, are harmful to the environment and health, and do not disappear.
To prevent new PFAS from entering the environment, five European countries are working together on a proposal for an EU ban.
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EU PFAS Ban
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Bureau REACH, part of the RIVM, is cooperating on behalf of the Netherlands.
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RIVM
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The ban would target every type of PFAS manufactured in, or imported into Europe, forcing companies to look for safer alternatives.
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Roughly 10.000 types of PFAS
EU PFAS Ban
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In the first phase of the process, all scientific information was collected and studied and the applications of PFAS were mapped out.
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Process
Phase 1
Preparing the proposal
1019-1023
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Stakeholders were given six months to share relevant information, the Dutch House of Representatives was informed, and finally the five countries prepared a dossier containing their proposal.
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RIVM
House of Representatives
EU PFAS Ban
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On 13 January 2023, this dossier was submitted to the European Chemicals Agency, or ECHA, to perform a conformity check.
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ECHA
13 Januari, 2023
European Chemicals Agency
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In the second phase, ECHA will make the dossier public… and give people 6 months to respond.
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Process
Phase 2
Opinion development
2023-2024
6 months
EU PFAS Ban
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After that, independent scientists will give their recommendations and then everyone can respond to these too.
In the third phase the proposal and the scientific recommendations will be submitted to the European Commission.
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Process
Phase 3
Decision-making
2024-2025
EU PFAS Ban
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They will vote on implementing a ban, and then the law will come into force.
The ban will take effect after a few months, though for applications that are difficult to replace, companies will get more time to find an alternative.
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After a few months
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Ultimately, a European ban on PFAS will ensure a safer and healthier living environment.
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For more information, go to: rivm.nl/en/pfas-restriction