Helsinki, 22 June 2023 – The ECHA Council for Socio-Economic Analysis (SEAC) has adopted its final opinion in favour of a phasing out of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams. This limit could reduce PFAS emissions into the environment by about 13,200 tonnes over a 30-year period.
SEAC considers that the proposed restriction on the placing on the market, use and formulation of PFAS in firefighting foams is the most appropriate EU-wide measure to address the identified risks. This takes into account the available alternatives, as well as the balance between benefits and costs for society that are limited. These conclusions follow the risk opinion adopted by the ECHA Risk Assessment Committee (RAC) in March 2023.
However, SEAC recommends that existing fluorine-free alternatives to sites where hazardous substances are produced, handled or stored (covered by the Severso Directive) and adjacent sites be reviewed before the end of the 10-year transition period. Similarly, the use of offshore facilities in the oil and gas industry will need to be reviewed, with SEAC recommending an extension of the transition period from 5 to 10 years. The Commission believes that where fires are likely to have a significant impact on the environment and human health, review is essential to maintain safety.
SEAC also proposes to extend the transition period for use on civilian vessels from 3 to 5 years, and to extend the transition period for certain types of portable fire extinguishers to be placed on the market from 6 months to 18 months. This is to ensure that technically suitable fluorine-free alternatives are available at the end of the transition period.
ECHA prepared the proposal at the request of the European Commission, which was first introduced in February 2022.
What's next?After adopting SEAC's opinion, ECHA prepared a joint opinion from the two committees and sent it to the European Commission together with the proposal for limitations.
The European Commission will then decide whether restrictions are necessary. If so, it would make a proposal to amend the list of restrictions (Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation). The proposal will be voted on by EU member states on the REACH Committee and reviewed by the European Parliament and Council before being adopted into law.