Monthly Updates: EU and UK
PFAS tool launched
Brief description: The Netherlands has launched a digital tool developed by RIVM to help identify substances meeting the definition of PFAS according to OECD and are classified as Substances of Very High Concern (ZZS) in the Netherlands for implementing ZZS emission and PFAS policy.
Significance of this update: Manufacturers should ensure adherence to all PFAS rules since the Netherlands must now use the RIVM's digital tool to verify if substances they handle meet the OECD PFAS definition for ZZS classification.
Italy Moves to Address PFAS Contamination
Brief description: On 21 March 2025, the Italian Chamber of Deputies passed a motion highlighting growing concerns about PFAS pollution. It acknowledges existing PFAS regulations, sets deadlines for water risk assessments (by July 2027) and improvement plans (by January 2029), and notes international efforts like the US EPA limits and the proposed EU-wide PFAS ban.
Significance of this update: If the motion is transformed into law, several decrees concerning PFAS such as:
* Starting from 12 July 2027, the performance of risk assessment must be carried out.
* Starting from 12 January 2027, data on measures to improve water access must be available.
EU Corrects Fluorinated Greenhouse Gas Regulation
Brief description: The European Union published a correction to Regulation (EU) 2024/573 on fluorinated greenhouse gases. It made amendments to Article 10(1) concerning the certification and training of natural persons involved with fluorinated greenhouse gases and their alternatives, adjusting the referenced paragraphs and ensuring consistency across language versions. Other sections were also amended such as Article 12(1), Article 13(6), Article 13(19), Article 22(1), and Articles 32(2), (3), and (6).
Significance of this update: The newly corrected Regulation must now be used to ensure compliance with the fluorinated greenhouse gases.
Fluorinated-gas certification minimum requirements implementing regulation published
Brief description: The European Commission has published an Implementing Regulation for the F-Gas Regulation (EU) 2024/573. This Regulation establishes the minimum requirements of natural or legal persons for the issuance of certificates and the conditions for the mutual recognition of such certificates. It applies to natural and legal persons carrying out activities such as leak checks, installation, repair, and maintenance of equipment regarding stationary refrigeration, air conditioning and heat pump equipment, organic Rankine cycles and refrigeration units of refrigerated trucks, refrigerated trailers, refrigerated light-duty vehicles, intermodal containers and train wagons containing fluorinated greenhouse gases or their alternatives substances such as ammonia (NH3), carbon dioxide (CO2) or hydrocarbons.
Significance of this update: Certification shall be required of natural or legal persons handling the above-mentioned equipment containing greenhouse gases.
New REACH Annex XVII restriction published regarding undecafluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), its salts and PFHxA-related substances
Brief description: The European Commission has amended Annex XVII of Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH) to restrict the manufacture, market placement, and use of undecafluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), its salts, and PFHxA-related substances due to their hazardous nature. This regulation aims to reduce environmental and human exposure to these substances, particularly in firefighting foams, textiles, and food contact materials, effective from 10 October 2024.
Significance of this update: Annexe XVII entry will restrict remaining PFHxA users, effective from 10 October 2024.
European Commission launches four consultations on draft acts regarding F-gases
Brief description: The European Commission has opened four public consultations on new implementing regulations required after the entry into force of the new F-Gas Regulations (EU) 2024/573. The public consultations will run from 17 September through to 15 October 2024, and will concern four areas affected by Regulation (EU) 2024/573:
* new minimum certification requirements for air-conditioning systems in mobile equipment;
* new certification requirements for solvents;
* update of minimum requirements for switchgear; and
* update of minimum requirements for fire protection systems.
Significance of this update: Interested parties may wish to contribute to the consultations, which can be done through the links included in this update, as the consultation outcomes may affect related products and the operation of their F-gas reporting.
