PFAS Focus: How Are the Forever Chemicals Regulated?

NEWS

Chemical

Maine Bans More Products under its PFAS Law Apr 25, 2024
On April 16, 2024, the State of Maine signed into An Act to Amend the Laws Relating to the Prevention of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances Pollution. Initially enacted in 2021, Maine's PFAS Act prohibits the sale of any product containing intentionally added PFAS in the State from January 1, 2030, unless determined as a currently unavoidable use (CUUs).

USA Environmental protection Chemical management Textile POPs PFAS
Chemical

U.S. EPA Designates PFOA and PFOS as Hazardous Substances under CERCLA Apr 23, 2024
On April 17, 2024, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a rule to designate perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), including their salts and structural isomers, as hazardous substances under section 102(a) of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA).

USA Environmental protection Chemical management POPs PFAS
Chemical

France Moves Forward with PFAS Ban Amid Industry Pushback Apr 22, 2024
Despite opposition from the government and industries, French National Assembly nodded through a proposed bill aimed at protecting the population from the risks linked to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on April 4, 2024. The bill will proceed to the Senate for deliberation.

Other Environmental protection Chemical management POPs PFAS
Chemical

Singapore Takes Decisive Steps to Eliminate Fire-fighting Foams Containing PFAS Mar 20, 2024
Starting from January 1, 2026, Singapore will phase out the import and use of firefighting foams containing PFOA and PFOS, including their salts and related compounds. After January 1, 2026, companies can continue using fire-fighting foams containing PFAS if trace contaminant concentrations are below their respective threshold limits, and disposal must be done through licensed Toxic Industrial Waste Collectors by the NEA.

Singapore Chemical management POPs PFAS Stockholm Convention
Chemical

ECHA Announces Next Steps for PFAS Restriction Proposal Mar 15, 2024
The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) outlines how its two scientific committees will progress in evaluating the proposal to restrict per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Europe

EU Chemical management POPs PFAS
Chemical

China MEE Steps Up New Pollutant Monitoring System Establishment Mar 14, 2024
China MEE is currently soliciting public feedback on the draft framework for the standard system concerning new pollutants monitoring.

Chinese Mainland Environmental protection Chemical management POPs PFAS Stockholm Convention
Chemical

Japan to Ban PFOA Isomers, Their Salts and PFOA-related Compounds Feb 01, 2024
On February 1, 2024, Japan issued a joint consultation regarding the designation of PFOA isomers, their salts and PFOA-related compounds as Class I Specified Chemical Substances controlled under the Chemical Substance Control Law (CSCL).

Japan Japan CSCL Chemical management PFAS
Chemical

Minnesota Requests for Comments on Determination of Currently Unavoidable Uses of PFAS in Products Feb 01, 2024
Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) is requesting for comments on planned new rules for the determination of Currently Unavoidable Uses (CUUs) of PFAS in products. Public comments or information are welcome until 4:30 p.m. (CST) on March 1, 2024.

USA Environmental protection POPs PFAS
Chemical

Maine Solicits Proposals for Currently Unavoidable Uses Exempt under PFAS Ban Jan 31, 2024
To bring CUU proposals to the legislature in 2025, Maine Department of Environmental Protection is soliciting public opinions from those seeking CUU determinations. A separate proposal must be submitted for each individual product category. The proposals may be submitted by manufacturers individually or collectively by March 1, 2024.

USA POPs PFAS
Chemical

China Has Comprehensively Phased out 8 New Pollutants Jan 22, 2024
On January 9, 2024, the MEE issued a notice, announcing that China has comprehensively phased out eight types of chemicals included in the List of New Pollutants for Priority Management (2023). Their import, export, manufacture, process and use have been prohibited in China from January 1, 2024.

Chinese Mainland China REACH Chemical management POPs PFAS Stockholm Convention
Chemical

Australia Publishes New IChEMS Scheduling Decisions, Covering PFOA, PFOS and PFHxS Jan 08, 2024
The Australian Government recently announced the new scheduling decisions for nine chemicals under the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS).

Australia Chemical management Australia IChEMS POPs PFAS Stockholm Convention
Chemical

China Prohibits 4 POPs from Import and Export, Including PFOS Jan 08, 2024
The Chinese Ministry of Commerce (MoC), the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC), and the Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE) jointly issued the Catalogue of Goods Prohibited from Import (9th Batch) and the Catalogue of Goods Prohibited from Export (8th Batch), which took effect on January 1, 2024.

Chinese Mainland POPs PFAS Stockholm Convention
Chemical

European Commission to Revise PFOS Exemptions under POPs Regulation Dec 15, 2023
On December 4, 2023, European Commission released a Draft regulation to revise several provisions concerning perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and its derivatives under the Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 on persistent organic pollutants(also known as the POPs Regulation). The draft is open for feedback until January 1, 2024.

EU Environmental protection POPs PFAS
Chemical

ECHA’s Enforcement Forum Releases Advice on Enforceability of PFAS Restriction Proposal Dec 04, 2023
Recently, the Forum for Exchange of Information on Enforcement (Forum) published the Advice on enforceability of the Annex XV restriction proposal regarding Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)’s website.

EU Environmental protection Chemical management EU REACH PFAS
Chemical

Japan to Ban PFHxS, Its Isomers and Their Salts Nov 30, 2023
Japan will prohibit the manufacture, import and use of PFHxS, its isomers, and their salts, and prohibit the import of certain products in which PFHxS, its isomers, or their salts are used.

Japan Japan CSCL PFAS
Chemical

China Releases Reference List of 363 PFOA-related Substances Nov 21, 2023
This list serves as a reference for enterprises ensure compliance with the List of New Pollutants for Priority Management (2023) and the Inventory of Severely Restricted Toxic Chemicals (2023).

Chinese Mainland Chemical management PFAS Stockholm Convention
Chemical

ECHA’s Insight: Evolving Trends in European Chemicals Management Nov 17, 2023
Speaking at the 15th Chemical Regulatory Annual Conference (CRAC) held on November 16, 2023 in Shanghai, Catherine Cornu, the Senior Scientific Officer of European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), introduced the trends in European chemicals management originating from the Commission’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability.

EU Environmental protection Hazard/risk assessment Chemical management Wastes Toys EU REACH EU CLP PFAS
Chemical

Thailand to Add PFHxS to List of Hazardous Substances, Targeting 147 Substances Nov 06, 2023
Thailand’s DIW proposed to regulate PFHxS, its salts and PFHxS-related compounds as Type 3 hazardous substances. Registration and licensing requirements will apply.

Thailand Thailand HSCA Registration/notification Chemical management POPs PFAS Stockholm Convention
Chemical

Vietnam Consults on Revising its POP Regulations Nov 01, 2023
As notified on its official website, Vietnam's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) is consulting on the revision on Decree No. 08/2022/ND-CP Detailing a Number of Articles of the Law on Environmental Protection. The Decree stipulate provisions on the persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and raw materials, fuels, materials, products, goods and equipment containing POPs. Comments are welcome until November 4, 2023.

Vietnam Chemical management POPs PFAS
Chemical

Thailand HSA: Official Insights into Recent Development and Future Trends Oct 30, 2023
Speaking at ChemCon Europe held in Vienna on October 26, 2023, Ms. Thanatorn Yoadsomsuay from Thailand’s Department of Industrial Works (DIW) introduced recent developments, challenges, and future trends of Thailand’s chemical management under the HSA.

Thailand Thailand HSCA GHS Hazard/risk assessment Chemical management POPs PFAS Stockholm Convention
Chemical

EPA Increases TRI Reporting Requirement for PFAS Oct 26, 2023
The USA’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing a rule to add per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) included on the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) to the list of Chemicals of Special Concern. This final rule shall apply for the reporting year beginning January 1, 2024. (reports due July 1, 2025).

USA Chemical management PFAS
Chemical

China Releases 2023 Inventory of Severely Restricted Toxic Chemicals (Updated on Oct 18, 2023) Oct 20, 2023
On October 18, 2023, the MEE released the updated Inventory of Severely Restricted Toxic Chemicals, adopting the amendments proposed in June.

Chinese Mainland Chemical management POPs PFAS Convention
Chemical

EPA Finalizes Rules for PFAS Data Reporting under TSCA Oct 16, 2023
On October 11, 2023, the USA’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a finalized rule to require reporting and recordkeeping for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA). This rule builds on over two years of progress on the Biden-Harris Administration’s action plan to combat PFAS pollution, safeguarding public health and advancing environmental justice, and is a key action in EPA’s PFAS Strategic Roadmap. It shall be effective on November 13, 2023.

USA PFAS US TSCA
Chemical

California Moves Closer to Banning Toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Cleaners Sep 26, 2023
On September 13, 2023, California lawmakers advanced a bill to ban the toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS from household and institutional cleaners sold in the state. The bill cleared the Legislature and now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom for his signature.

USA Chemical management PFAS
Chemical

EU Bans PFHxS under POPs Regulation Aug 09, 2023
EU officially lists perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), its salts and PFHxS-related compounds in Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2019/1021(POPs Regulation). The announcement came in the publication of Regulation (EU) 2023/1068 in the Official Journal of European Union on August 8, 2023. It shall enter into force 20 days after the publication.

EU Chemical management POPs PFAS
Chemical

EU Industry Opposes Proposed Ban on Fluoropolymers Aug 01, 2023
Earlier in February 2023, an ambitious plan to restrict or even ban all PFASs was unveiled by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). This universal restriction proposal calls for the phase-out of around 10,000 PFASs used in a wide array of applications.

EU Environmental protection Chemical management PFAS
Cosmetic

Australia Consults on Listing PFAS and PeCB in IChEMS Register Schedule 7, Prohibitions Will Apply Oct 11, 2023
Australian Government proposed to list PFOA, PFOS, PFHxS and PeCB in IChEMS Register Schedule 7. If adopted, they will be prohibited from import, export, manufacture or use within Australia.

Australia Ingredients
Chemical

Australia Designates DecaBDE and PFOA as Chemicals Requiring Annual Authorization (Updated on July 14) Jul 18, 2023
Import or export of decaBDE and PFOA, its salts and PFOA-related compounds will require for prior AICIS authorization.

Australia Australia NICNAS/AICIS Hazchem Chemical management POPs PFAS Convention
Chemical

Taiwan Bans PFHxS, Its Salts and PFHxS-related Compounds (Updated) Apr 25, 2024
Perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), its salts and PFHxS-related compounds will be designated as Class I toxic chemicals in Taiwan. This move is in response to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants, which listed them to its Annex A (Elimination) in 2022.

Taiwan, China Taiwan TCSCA Chemical management POPs PFAS
Chemical

EU-wide PFAS Ban in Firefighting Foams Warranted Jul 06, 2023
SEAC has adopted its final opinion supporting a gradual ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams. The restriction could reduce PFAS emissions into the environment by around 13 200 tonnes over 30 years.

EU Hazard/risk assessment Chemical management PFAS
Chemical

Hong Kong Reinforces Control over POPs Jul 03, 2023
The expanded lists of chemicals regulated under the Hazardous Chemicals Control Ordinance (Cap. 595) and the Pesticides Ordinance (Cap. 133) will take effect from October 20, 2023.

Hong Kong S.A.R. Hazchem Chemical management POPs PFAS Stockholm Convention Convention
Chemical

Insight | Authority Explains Details of EU-wide PFAS Restriction May 25, 2023
In a webinar held by the European Chemical Agency (ECHA) on April 5, 2023, five authorities from Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden formed a live panel to discuss the restriction proposal for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The proposal was co-drafted by the five countries to address the risks to the environment and human health from PFAS.

EU Environmental protection Chemical management POPs PFAS
Chemical

Canada Publishes Draft State of PFAS Report and Risk Management Scope May 24, 2023
Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) published a Draft State of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Report and a Risk Management Scope for PFAS in the Canada Gazette on May 20, 2023. Both documents are open for a 60-day public comment period ending on July 19, 2023.

Canada PFAS
Chemical

Minnesota Passes Most Comprehensive PFAS Ban in the U.S. May 18, 2023
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed into law the ban in the U.S. on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in certain products as part of the broadest PFAS policy package in the country.

USA PFAS
Chemical

Brands Worth More Than €130 Billion Want the EU to Ban PFAS Chemicals Apr 18, 2023
On March 22, 2023, the discussions on the upcoming ban of PFAS chemicals in the European Union started. Through an advocacy campaign from environmental NGO ChemSec, over a hundred consumer brands worth more than €130 billion strongly support a comprehensive ban on these harmful chemicals.

EU Chemical management PFAS
Chemical

Vietnam Updates List of POPs for Exemption Registration Apr 17, 2023
On February 2, 2023, Vietnam's Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MONRE) issued an official letter 424/BTNMT-KSONMT 2023 to supplement the legal provisions on exemption registration for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under Decree No. 08/2022/ND-CP.

Vietnam Environmental protection Chemical management POPs PFAS
Chemical

Australia and New Zealand Consult on New National PFAS Management Plan Mar 08, 2023
To provide new guidance on the environmental management of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) around Australia and New Zealand, the Heads of EPAs of Australia and New Zealand (HEPA) released the draft per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances National Environmental Management Plan (PFAS NEMP) version 3.0 for public consultation in September 2022. The period for comments ended on February 28, 2023.

New Zealand Australia Environmental protection Chemical management PFAS