EU proposes to add perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) to the list of restricted substances

The European Commission has released a draft proposing to add perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) salts and related substances to Annex 17 of REACH. Details are as follows:

PFOA must not be placed on the market alone or used in manufacturing processes.

For the following forms, the concentration of PFOA salts must not be greater than or equal to 25 ppb; the concentration of PFOA-related compounds must not be greater than or equal to 1000 ppb:
a) Other substances with PFOA as a component;
b) Mixture;
c) Articles, or any parts of articles containing PFOA.

If this proposal is passed, it will take effect three years after the date of adoption.

Exemption:

Implantable medical devices within the scope of Regulation 93/42/EEC;

Motion picture film, newspaper, or printing plate with a light-sensitive coating;

Compound semiconductors in engraving or lithographic printing.

PFOA is a persistent and bioaccumulative toxic substance that was listed on the Restricted Substances List (SVHC) in 2013. It is widely used in fluoropolymer and fluorine-containing rubber products, such as fire-proof sponges and surfactants in textile products, to achieve anti-fouling, waterproof, oil-proof and other functions.

The article comes from: Tianxiang Textile and Footwear