PFAS News and Updates Archive
North America
-
Brief description:
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the latest efforts to protect communities and the environment from the health risks posed by certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The proposal will add two rules to the agency’s comprehensive approach to tackling PFAS pollution across the country; firstly, a modification of the definition of hazardous waste as permitted in hazardous waste facilities and secondly an amendment to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA regulations) to add multiple PFAS compounds as hazardous constituents.
Significance of this update:
It will add PFAS to the lists of substances identified for consideration in facility assessments
It will protect communities and drinking water supplies located near the 1,740 permitted hazardous waste facilities across the nation.
-
Brief description:
Canada notifies on a proposal of standards for PFAS in biosolids. The standard is based on the concentration of not more than 50ppb of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS; as an indicator of PFAS contamination) of the final product per kg of dry weight. A validity attestation will be issued after verification of compliance with this standard at import.
This standard is proposed to be published and adopted on 01 April 2024, it is proposed to enter into force on 01 October 2024.
Significance of this update
It will prohibit imports of heavily contaminated biosolids
It will minimize the risks to crops, soil health and productivity, plants, animals and the food supply chain.
-
Brief description:
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is planning new rules governing the Agency to determine currently unavoidable uses of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in products. This new rule will establish a program for MPCA to determine intentionally added PFAS in products with unavoidable use which will lead to exemptions on uses of PFAS in products sold in Minnesota by 01 January 2032.
The comment period for this new rule began On 18 December 2023 and ended on 01 March 2024.
Significance of the update:
* Products that contain intentionally added PFAS may not be sold, offered for sale or distributed for sale if it does not comply with the new rule as unavoidable.
-
Brief Description:
On 8 February 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a proposed rule, adding nine PFAS to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) hazardous constituent list (40 CFR part 261 Appendix VIII). The addition of nine PFAS to Appendix VIII means that additional corrective action would be facilitated to address releases of specific PFAS under the RCRA. For example, RCRA section 3004(u) requires that any permit issued to a hazardous waste treatment, storage, and disposal facility (TSDF) after November 8, 1984, require corrective action for all releases of hazardous waste or hazardous constituents from solid waste management units at the facility.
Significance of the update:
* The proposed rule would lead to additional responsibilities for those handling the listed PFAS, especially in the event of release into the environment.
-
Brief Description:
The EPA has initiated a 60-day public comment period concerning the draft IRIS Toxicological Review of PFNA (CAS No. 375-95-1) and related salts. The assessment concludes that PFNA exposure is associated with deficits in birth weight in humans and developmental toxicity in animals. There is moderate evidence for increased serum markers indicative of hepatic effects and consistent patterns of male reproductive toxicity in rodents.
Significance of the update:
Interested parties are encouraged to submit their comments by 6 May 2024.
-
Brief description:
On 16 April 2024, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a notice regarding updated “Interim Guidance on the Destruction and Disposal of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Materials Containing Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances”. The guidance encourages prioritising options that minimise environmental PFAS releases and highlights promising new technologies that require further evaluation through a new technology evaluation framework.
Significance of this update:
Interested parties have the opportunity to submit comments (within 180 days) on proposed guidance, and review the material ahead of implementation.
-
Brief description:
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency has published a clarification on the scope of upcoming PFAS bans. Starting from 1 January 2025, the sale of products containing PFAS under 11 uses, including cookware and fabric treatments, will be banned. The restrictions on PFAS will also apply to packaging that is integral to contain, protect or dispense the product, such as the casing for lip balm. The bans are a part of the state law which aims to phase out non-essential PFAS applications by 2032.
Significance of this update:The clarification provides relevant parties with a better understanding of the scope of upcoming PFAS bans and restrictions.
-
Brief description:
California has amended bill SB-903 Environmental health on product safety regarding perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, on 11 April 2024. The amendment postponed the effective date for the prohibition of the distribution, selling, or offering for sale of a product that contains intentionally added PFAS, from 1 January 2030 to 1 January 2032.
Significance of this update:
Those affected by the prohibition on the distribution and sale of products containing intentionally added PFAS now have a longer transition period
-
Brief description:
The EPA has finalised its PFAS National Primary Drinking Water Regulation Rulemaking, providing maximum contaminant level goals and maximum contaminant levels for six PFAS: PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS, PFNA, GenX Chemicals, and PFBS. The EPA estimates that the rule will prevent thousands of deaths and reduce tens of thousands of serious PFAS-attributable illnesses.
Significance of this update:The rulemaking establishes enforceable maximum contaminant levels for several PFAS, under the provisions of the Safe Drinking Water Act.
-
Brief description:
The state of Maine has signed into law two legislation:
- Environment – Playground Surfacing Materials – Prohibitions (HB1147; effective from 1 October 2024).
- Protecting State Waters from PFAS Pollution Act (HB1153; effective from 1 July 2024.
Significance of this update:
On or after 1 October 2024, playground surfacing materials containing PFAS will be prohibited from being sold, installed, supplied or solicited. By 1 July 2026, the DoE will identify major PFAS (industrial) users who will be required to reduce their PFAS pollution.
-
Brief description:
On 17 May 2024, the US EPA published a final rule, which adds seven PFAS to the TRI for the reporting year 2024, in line with the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020 (FY2020 NDAA). The rule will be effective from 17 June 2024.
Significance of this update:Facilities manufacturing, processing, or otherwise using any of the specified PFAS must report their use to the EPA. The deadline for the reporting year 2024 is 1 July 2025.
-
Brief description:
The US EPA has finalised a rule that designates PFOA and PFOS (including their salts and structural isomers) as ‘hazardous substances’ under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA). The rule requires immediate reporting of PFOA and PFOS emissions to federal, state and other emergency responders when above 1lb per 24 hours. According to the EPA, this rule will improve transparency and accountability to clean up PFAS contamination in communities (compels polluters to pay for or conduct investigations and cleanup).
Significance of this update:
The new rule under CERCLA requires reporting of PFOA and PFOS emissions and ensures polluters pay to clean up their contamination.
-
Brief description:
Maine adopted legislation to postpone a prohibition on non-essential PFAS uses. The legislation gives the industry more clarity and time to comply with a first-in-the-nation statute that originally sought to cease most PFAS uses by 2030. The measure broadly exempts several product categories.
Significance of this update:
The ban of the sale of articles containing intentionally added PFAS is postponed for a variety of articles such as cookware, cleaners, outdoor wear, refrigeration equipment and so on with varying new deadlines
-
Brief description:
Colorado has approved a bill to add products with intentionally added PFAS to the scheduled phase-out, including certain outdoor gear and cookware, ski wax, personal hygiene products, cleaning products, artificial turf and other textile articles. The bill also requires a disclosure to consumers of intentionally added PFAS in certain consumer products. It also includes a ban on commercial food equipment containing PFAS.
Significance of this update:
- Starting from 1 January 2025, companies selling specialty outdoor apparel for extremely wet settings without an easily readable disclosure declaring "made with PFAS chemicals" will be forbidden aligning Colorado with upcoming California requirements.
- Starting 1 January 2026, the measure would ban the sale or distribution of products such as ski wax, dental floss, cookware e.tc containing intentionally added PFAS.
-
Brief description:
The bill encompasses various sections targeting different aspects of PFAS regulation, including defining terms related to PFAS contamination, establishing funds for remediation efforts, mandating amendments to permits for monitoring PFAS in water discharges, and introducing regulations to phase out PFAS use in consumer products. Additionally, it mandates progress reporting on establishing PFAS monitoring standards in ambient air, prohibiting their intentional addition in food packaging, children's products, and personal care items, and necessitates the registration of PFAS-containing products, detailing product information, usage, and sales data. It presents varying key dates for compliance and enforcement.
Significance of this update:
Strategies (prohibition and mandates) will be used for regulation of PFAS in Massachusetts.
-
Brief description:
The passed bill will regulate cosmetic and menstrual products containing certain chemicals and chemical classes, textiles and athletic turf fields containing PFAS. It aims to ban the manufacture, sale, and distribution of these products if they contain certain chemicals and chemical classes including PFAS.
Significance of this update:
If signed into law by the state governor, starting from 2026, several personal care products and menstrual products that contain intentionally added PFAS will be restricted and the textile ban would also apply to textiles containing unintentionally added PFAS over 100ppm, a threshold slated to drop to 50 ppm on 1 July 2027.
-
Brief description: The Governor of Vermont, USA, has signed into law Bill S.25 (Act 131), an act relating to regulating consumer products containing PFAS. This Act repeals and replaces the following pieces of legislation from 1 January 2026:
* 18 V.S.A. chapter 33 (PFAS in firefighting agents and equipment);
* 18 V.S.A. chapter 33A (chemicals of concern in food packaging);
* 18 V.S.A. chapter 33B (PFAS in rugs, carpets, and aftermarket stain and water resistant
treatments); and
* 18 V.S.A. chapter 33C (PFAS in ski wax).
The Act subjects new product categories such as cosmetic and menstrual products, consumer products including ski wax and textiles, rugs and carpets, and juvenile products to the state.
Significance of this update: As from 1 January 2026, any relevant products containing intentionally added PFAS shall not be manufactured, sold, offered for sale, distributed for sale, or distributed for use in Vermont.
-
Brief description: Connecticut has adopted new PFAS regulations banning the manufacture, sale, offer for sale or distribution of several categories of products containing intentionally added PFAS. The restriction would enter into effect from 1 July 2026. The product categories include: apparel, carpet or rug, cleaning products, cookware, cosmetic products, textile furnishings, and ski wax.
Significance of this update: From 1 January 2026, it will be prohibited to sell, distribute or offer for sale any new not-previously-used outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions that contains PFAS unless it is accompanied by a disclosure statement regarding the use of PFAS. From 1 January 2028, the manufacture, sale and offer for sale of any of the above-listed products containing intentionally added PFAS will be prohibited.
-
Brief description: Washington has published its regulatory determinations regarding phase 3 of the Safer Products for Washington Implementation. The report provides the initial set of regulatory actions required to implement the requirements of RCW 70A.350.090, including the following regulatory determinations for PFAS in each of the several product categories listed below:
* Apparel and gear: reporting requirement and restriction;
* Firefighting PPE: reporting requirement;
* Cleaning products: restriction;
* Automotive washes: restriction;
* Automotive waxes: reporting requirement;
* Floor waxes: reporting requirement;
* Ski waxes: reporting requirement;
* Hard surface sealants: reporting requirements; and
* Cookware (Food Contact Materials): reporting requirement.
Significance of this update: If the 2025 legislature supports the recommendations, the rules will be adopted to implement the restrictions and reporting requirements noted above.
-
Brief description: The Rhode Island General Assembly has enacted updates to the Toxic Packaging Reduction Act. The amendment postpones the implementation dates for the prohibition of PFAS in specific uses.
Significance of this update: As from 1 January 2025, PFAS in food packaging will be banned and the use of PFAS as processing agents, mould release agents, or intermediates will be banned from 1 July 2027.
-
Brief description: Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee signed into law the Comprehensive PFAS Ban Act of 2024 (S 2152). The Act aims to eliminate the use of PFAS in a broad range of consumer products by 27 January 2027. The Act involves numerous product categories and certificates of compliance are required to be provided by manufacturers.
Significance of this update: Class B firefighting containing PFAS will be banned from 1 January 2025 while other stated consumer products containing PFAS will be banned starting from 1 January 2027. -
Brief description: The state government of New Hampshire has progressed two bills affecting the use of PFAS in certain product types. House Bill 1649 would prohibit the sale, offer for sale or distribution of certain products containing intentionally added PFAS amongst other provisions. Bill 1352 would require those who sell firefighting PPE to provide written notice to the purchaser that the product does or does not contain PFAS, and sets a preference for PPE that does not contain PFAS, amongst other provisions.
Significance of this update: Affected parties should be aware of the progress of these bills through the legislative process, and ensure compliance ahead of any prohibitions or requirements.
-
Brief description: A bill (House Bill 2238) was introduced on 29 April 2024 by the US state of Pennsylvania, which proposes to protect consumers by prohibiting PFAS in certain products. The Bill prohibits the manufacture, sale or offer for sale of intentionally added PFAS chemicals from 1 January 2027 in certain products covered in the bill such as cleaning products, artificial turf, carpet or rug, cookware, cosmetics, dental floss, food packaging, and oil and gas products.
Significance of this update:
* Manufacturers should have registered their products before 1 January 2026.
* Prohibition of manufacture, sale and offer for sale or provide online listing of certain products containing intentionally added PFAS starting from 1 January 2027.
-
Brief description: A bill has been introduced to the Delaware House of Representatives aiming to phase out the use of avoidable PFAS in consumer products sold in Delaware. The bill details the intent of the State of Delaware to phase out PFAS is a manner consistent with bills and precedents set in other states that have banned the use of PFAS in consumer products.
Significance of this update: The bill represents the next steps in Delaware regarding PFAS restrictions, and will impact products containing intentionally added PFAS in the state. -
Brief description: New York State is proposing an amendment to the Environmental Conservation Law to phase out the sale of products containing intentionally added perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This aims to mitigate the environmental and health risks associated with PFAS.
Significance of this update: If the proposal is accepted, there will be mandatory notification of the concerned PFAS-added products starting from 1 January 2026, and prohibition of sales of concerned PFAS-added products will start from 1 January 2032. -
Brief description: The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is planning new rules regarding fees associated with PFAS recordkeeping and PFAS in products. The rules regarding fees are expected to be prepared later this year, for expected final adoption at the beginning of 2026. The purpose of the rule is to establish fees to be paid to the MPCA and other authorities upon submission of required reporting information about products containing intentionally added PFAS. This is to cover the cost of the implementation of the reporting program.
Significance of this update: Fees will be paid when submitting the report of PFAS containing products
EU and UK
-
Brief description:
Canada notifies on a proposal of standards for PFAS in biosolids. The standard is based on the concentration of not more than 50ppb of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS; as an indicator of PFAS contamination) of the final product per kg of dry weight. A validity attestation will be issued after verification of compliance with this standard at import.
This standard is proposed to be published and adopted on 01 April 2024, it is proposed to enter into force on 01 October 2024.
Significance of this update
It will prohibit imports of heavily contaminated biosolids
It will minimize the risks to crops, soil health and productivity, plants, animals and the food supply chain.
-
Brief description
The Federal health and environment ministers have asked the Higher Health Council to rule on proposed maximum limits for PFAS and perchlorate in bottled water and processed water used in industry eating. This proposed rule will approve and place an upper limit value of 4 nanograms per litre for the sum of four common PFAS and 13 micrograms per litre for perchlorate while 2microgrames per litre is permitted for vulnerable groups. This value will now comply with the EFSA guidelines for tap water to limit exposure of general pollution to PFAS and perchlorate.
The limit for the sum of 20 PFAS is aimed at a maximum of 100 nanograms per litre.
Significance of the update
* The maximum of the sum of four PFAS permitted to be used is 4ng/L in bottled water and processed water used in food.
* The maximum of the sum of the other twenty PFAS permitted to be used is 100ng/L in bottled water and processed water used in food.
* The maximum perchlorate permitted to be used is 13µg/L (2µg/L: vulnerable groups) in bottled water and processed water used in food.
-
Brief description:
In a vote held on 13 March 2024, the European Parliament voted in favour of a revision of the Toy Safety Regulation, currently implemented under Directive 2009/48/EC. The proposed regulation would repeal the previous directive, and would strengthen the restrictions on the use of harmful chemicals in toys; the restrictions would be expanded to include chemicals that are persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic, and include a restriction on PFAS in toys. The proposed regulation will now move on to the next steps in the regulatory process and is expected to be followed up by the new Parliament later this year.
Significance of the update:
* This proposed regulation would introduce additional restrictions on the use of PFAS in children’s toys within the EU
-
Brief Description:
Following over 5,400 comments received during the public consultation for the EU PFAS restriction proposal, ECHA outlined the next steps for the proposal. The key updates provided are:
Scientific committees for Risk Assessment (RAC) and for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) will evaluate the comments from the consultation in batches, according to specific sectors.
Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden who prepared the proposal will update their initial report to address the comments.
Following the March committee meeting, there will be two further meetings in June and September.
Significance of the update:
ECHA has provided clarification on the next steps for the proposal, which are key to consider, especially with the upcoming SEAC draft opinion consultation.
-
Brief description: The EU published two consultations. Firstly, a draft law to determine the format for submitting data reports under the revised EU F-gas regulation - for producers, importers, exporters and certain users of fluorinated greenhouse gases. The EC extended reporting obligations under the revised F-gas regulation, which entered into force on 11 March 2024. The deadline for comments is 10 June 2024.
Secondly, the EU published a new draft regulation implementing labelling specifications for certain products and equipment containing or whose functioning relies upon fluorinated greenhouse gases. The new regulation will repeal Regulation (EU) 2015/2068. The deadline for comments is 4 June 2024.
Significance of this update: Starting from 1 January 2025, manufacturers will be subject to reporting obligations - information additions to an existing label including declaration of fluorinated greenhouse gas content.
-
Brief description:
The French National Assembly recently approved the first reading of a bill that restricts the manufacture and sale of non-essential products containing PFAS. The bill calls for a ban from 1 January 2026 on the manufacture, import and sale of any of cosmetic products, ski wax products and clothing textile products containing PFAS substances. There is an exception relating to protective clothing for safety and civil security professionals.
Significance of this update:
If approved into law, the manufacture, import and sale of listed non-essential products containing PFAS will be banned.
-
Brief description:
On 8 March 2024, Cyprus ratified amendments to the Rotterdam Convention, an international treaty promoting informed decisions on importing hazardous chemicals. These amendments strengthen Cyprus' commitment to upholding international standards for the safe handling and trade of hazardous chemicals and pesticides. The amendment adds PFOA and its derivatives to Annex III of the country's implementation of the convention.
Significance of this update:
Annex III includes chemicals that have been banned or severely restricted for health or environmental reasons by two or more Parties, and subject to the PIC procedure.
-
Brief description:
The Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) and Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) planned to meet from 3 to 7 June 2024 to discuss the universal PFAS restriction proposal.
Significance of this update:
The result of the meeting will impact the restriction of PFAS in metal plating and manufacturers of metal products, their hazards and general approach.
-
Brief description:
The five national authorities involved in the EU PFAS restriction proposal have provided clarity on how they are updating the assessments underlying the original restriction dossier after taking into account the comments submitted in the consultation facilitated by ECHA. For each sector, the national authorities will identify uses that were not in the original dossier, examine what effects changes to other relevant EU regulations have made, and evaluate the submitted information on alternatives, amongst other actions.
Significance of this update:
Those interested in the progress of the EU PFAS restriction proposal will likely be interested in the approach taken by the submitting national authorities.
-
Brief description:
The Danish Environmental Protection Agency has agreed 8 PFAS programmes to close information gaps and help reduce exposure to PFAS. The programmes target agricultural products, screening of food for PFAS and monitoring of PFAS in the population.
Significance of this update:
The programmes will provide further information which may have implications for future regulatory action(s).
-
Brief description:
The UK’s Health and Safety Executive published a call for evidence for the restriction of PFAS in firefighting foams. The HSE is interested in responses regarding:
The use, manufacture, import and/or distribution of firefighting foams containing PFAS within the UK.
Information on the transition away from PFAS in firefighting foams and the suitability of any alternatives.
Significance of this update:
Interested parties should submit any evidence before the deadline of 3 June 2024.
Other Regions
-
Brief description:
A new update was released that impacts PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in Cosmetics as an addition to the Cosmetic Group Standard in Schedule 4, Table 2, and also updates the scope of the standard. This will align with developments in Europe on cosmetic products Regulation known as Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 and phasing out PFAS ingredients. This decision enters into force on 31 December 2025.
To aid compliance with the phasing out of PFAS in New Zealand, the following transitional provisions have been established:
From 31 December 2026, there shall be no importing or manufacturing of PFAS-containing cosmetic products.
From 31 December 2027, there shall be no selling of PFAS-containing cosmetics products
Significance of this update:
Companies importing into and manufacturing these products in New Zealand should ensure non-manufacture and import of PFAS-containing cosmetic products before the designated dates and no selling of PFAS-containing cosmetic products by 30 June 2028. No PFAS should be present in any cosmetics ingredients. Non-compliance will lead to penalties.
-
Brief Description:
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) published an announcement on 16 February 2024 to urge chemical manufacturers and importers to collaborate with the ministry on submitting BAT (Best Available Technique) reports concerning byproducts of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) isomers its salts, and related compounds. This requirement is newly introduced following their classification as class I specified chemical substances.
Significance of the update
:* Chemical manufacturers may want to submit information regarding BAT submissions relevant to PFOA
-
Brief Description:
The Ministry of Environmental Protection and Natural Resources of Ukraine has published a draft order, aiming to approve the Procedure for Labelling Controlled Substances, Goods, and Equipment, establishing requirements for labelling substances, including information on their contents and environmental impact. The regulation applies to business entities involved in importing, exporting, and placing on the market ozone-depleting substances, fluorinated greenhouse gases, goods, and equipment containing them. It is developed in accordance with Ukrainian laws regulating economic activities involving these substances and complies with EU regulations on fluorinated greenhouse gases.
Significance of the update:
* If approved, affected parties will need to ensure compliance with the new procedure for labelling controlled substances
-
Brief description:
The Ministry of Environment will fund three projects to investigate the health risks posed by PFAS. These projects are :
Elucidation of the immunosuppressive and immunopromoting effects of PFAS in immunological diseases.
Development of a hazard assessment method based on gene expression analysis that contributes to prioritisation and aggregate evaluation related to the regulation of several PFAS.
Elucidation of the health effects of PFAS considering toxic effects, toxicity development mechanisms and species differences.
Significance of this update:
Trade bodies such as the Japan Electrical Manufacturers’ Association (JEMA) will be affected by any results from these projects.
-
Brief description:
This year Japanese authorities are planning to enforce a ban on PFOA isomers, their salts and PFOA-related compounds. These substances will be designated as Class I due to being persistent, highly accumulative and having the potential for long-term toxicity to humans or predatory animals at a higher trophic level.
Significance of this update:There will be prohibition of manufacture, import and use of the substances, and the import of products containing those substances later in 2024.
-
Brief description:
The National Environment Agency of Singapore has published a circular, detailing its plans to phase out the use of PFAS (PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS) in fire-fighting foams by 1 January 2026. Companies will be allowed to continue using firefighting foams after 1 January 2026 provided the concentrations of the trace PFAS contaminants are below the respective threshold limits:
25 ppb for PFOA, its salts and related compounds;
10,000 ppb for PFOS, its salts and related compounds; and
100 ppb for PFHxS, its salts and related compounds.
Significance of this update:
Affected companies should be aware of the upcoming restrictions and ensure they are compliant with the new requirements (PFAS threshold limits) for firefighting foams.
-
Brief description:
The Japanese ministries opened a consultation to designate PFOA isomers, salts, and related compounds as Class I Specified Chemical Substances. This will restrict their manufacture, import, and use in Japan.
Significance of this update:
Interested parties should review the restrictions, identify any impacted products, and consider submitting comments to the Japanese government by 12 June 2024.
-
Brief description:
Japan has published an Order amending the Enforcement Order of the Act on the Examination and Regulation of Manufacture, etc. of Chemical Substances - specifically the section that established the technical standards for fire extinguishers, fire extinguishing agents for fire extinguishers, and foam fire extinguishing agents. The amendment introduces new labelling requirements which include labelling containers, packaging and invoices with substance name and ratio, contact information of the company and measures to be taken in case of accident. New standards were also announced for the safe storage of these products including record-keeping requirements.
Significance of this update: The new requirements begin to apply from 1 June 2024.
-
Brief description:
The Ministry of Environment (MOE) published an amendment to the Enforcement Order of the Law Concerning the Examination and Regulation of Manufacture, etc. This amendment designates Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) branched isomers, their salts and PFOA-related compounds as class I substances.
Class I specified chemical substances are persistent, highly accumulative and have long-term toxicity to human health and the environment. There exists use restriction, manufacture and import prohibition of such substances unless permission is given by the authority.Significance of this update:
The listing of PFOA and related compounds as Class I means the manufacture and import of such substances is prohibited, as is the import of certain products containing the substances.
-
Brief description:
The Ministry of Environmental Protection published a notice announcing additional permit conditions concerning the use of PFAS compounds. These conditions are effective immediately and supplement existing permit requirements. The notice includes a mandatory submission of information about PFAS-containing toxins based on Safety Data Sheets (SDS) within two months and If the SDS or manufacturer information references PFAS compounds without detailing them, businesses must sample the toxins as specified.
In addition, the notice lays down several additional permits for businesses including the requirement of techno-economic assessments to be carried out within one year to explore reducing or replacing PFAS use and to prepare a plan outlining necessary steps and timelines, this plan must be updated every 3 years.
Significance of this update:
Includes but not limited to the following:
* Within 18 months of receiving this condition for the first time, businesses will stop using firefighting foams containing PFAS compounds for training purposes.
* Mandatory separate storage of hazardous waste containing PFAS
* PFAS-containing packaging must be labelled in compliance with the regulation
-
Brief description:
The Chinese Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) published a letter regarding the soliciting of opinions on the Notice on Strictly Controlling the Second Batch of Hydrofluorocarbon Chemical Production and Construction Projects. The notice prohibits the building or expansion of facilities producing HFCs listed under Appendix 1, excluding those that produce listed HFCs as a byproduct of the manufacturing process or where the expansion or building has been approved by the relevant ministries. This prohibition also applies in the case of the rebuilding or relocations of a facility, and prevents the production of any additional HFCs listed under Annex II.
Significance of this update:
Once passed into law, the building, expansion, rebuilding or relocation of facilities producing listed HFCs will be restricted.
Resources
Connect With Our Experts
Whether you need assistance with sustainability strategy, regulatory compliance, or environmental impact assessment, our experts are ready to collaborate with you. Contact us today, and let's work together to drive your organization towards achieving your regulatory goals.
