Issue 9/2015 - The European Chemicals Agency proposes to regulate perfluorooctanoic acid

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has recommended the regulation of the production, use and sale of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorooctanoate and certain perfluorooctanoic acid-related substances, with a deadline for public comments on 17 June 2015
.
At the same time, the programme intends to control the sale
of mixtures and articles containing perfluorooctanoic acid on the EU market.

ECHA's regulatory scheme is based on the fact that PFOS accumulates in the environment and has long-term adverse effects
on human health and the environment.
Perfluorooctanoic acid is a bioaccumulative and toxic substance that has been shown to affect cholesterol levels
in the body.

After a comprehensive analysis of the public comments, ECHA will submit a submission
to the European Commission by December 2015.
The Commission will make the final decision on whether to regulate PFOS and include these substances in Annex XVII
of the REACH regulation.
Once the restrictions come into effect, there will be an 18-month transition period for producers or exporters to adapt and comply
.
(Pang Xiaohua)