EU Publishes Proposal to Restrict PFOA under Annex XVII of REACH

The European Union (EU) has announced its intention to regulate perfluorooctanic acid (PFOA), its salts and other PFOA-related substances in a wide variety of products and applications. If the measures are approved, they will begin implementation, under Annex XVII of REACH, in 2020.

PFOA is identified as a persistent, bioaccummulative and toxic substance (PBT). Since June 2013, it has been on the Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) and is also a candidate for listing under Annex XIV (Authorization List) of REACH. PFOA-related substances are defined as any related substance, including salts and polymers, with a linear or branched perfluoroheptyl group (C7F15) attached directly to another carbon atom.

PFOA are used in a wide variety of applications, for example:

• Anti-repellent agent for grease, oil, and/or dirt in textiles and paper
• The manufacturing of fluoropolymers and fluoroelastomers for non-stick coatings on cookware
• Surfactants in fire-fighting foam

The draft regulation also contains several exemptions, including:

• The manufacture of implantable medical devices (Directive 93/42/EEC)
• In photographic coatings applied to films, paper or printing plates
• In semi-conductor photo-lithography processes or etching processes for compound semiconductors

The World Trade Organization (WTO) circulated the latest draft regulation from the EU on October 6, 2016 in notification G/TBT/N/EU/411. This is just the latest draft regulation, issued by the EU through the WTO, seeking to restrict substances under Annex XVII of REACH. In recent months, the EU has issued draft proposals seeking to restrict: bisphenol A (BPA) in thermal paper; decabromodiphenyl ether (deca-BDE) in consumer products; and, methanol in denatured alcohol and windscreen washing or defrosting fluids.

SGS REACH Services
SVHC may be introduced into various consumer products due to the complexities of both the supply chain and production process. Identifying high risk products, or materials, or having a test strategy, is a smart way to ensure compliance and save costs. SGS will follow up and inform interested parties as developments on REACH regulation occur. Our expertise combined with consultancy services and experience in consumer product supply chains provides a central point of contact for global solutions. Learn more about SGS’s REACH Services (www.sgs.com/reach)

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full EU Proposes to Regulate PFOA under Annex XVII of REACH SafeGuardS. (http://www.sgs.com/en/news/2016/10/safeguards-17016-eu-proposes-to-regulate-pfoa-under-annex-xvii-of-reach)

Subscribe here, www.sgs.com/subscribesg, to receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox.

For further information contact:

Hing Wo Tsang
Global Hardlines Information and Innovation Manager
Tel:(+852) 2774 7420
Email: cts.media@sgs.com
Website: www.sgs.com/cgnr

About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading inspection, verification, testing and certification company. SGS is recognized as the global benchmark for quality and integrity. With more than 85,000 employees, SGS operates a network of over 1,800 offices and laboratories around the world.

1, Mons Calpe
Chitcombe Road
Broad Oak
Rye
East Sussex
TN31 6EU

This release was published on openPR.