All you need to know about PFCAs restricted by EU under Annex 17

PFCAs (perfluorocarboxylic acids), a subset of PFAs (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) has been restricted by European commission – under Annex XVII of REACH Regulation.

This new regulation replaces the entry 68 of Annex 17 to REACH on PFOA. PFOA related substances are now regulated under POPs regulation (EU) 2019/1021.

It restricts the PFCAs and their salts, containing 9 to 14 carbon atoms in the chain (C9-C14 PFCAs).

The below substances are excluded from the definition:

• CnF2n+1-C (= O) OX’ where n> 13 and X’=any group, including salts
• CnF2n+1-X, where X = F, Cl, or Br where n = 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 or 14, including any combinations thereof.

Companies cannot manufacture, use or place the PFCAs and their salts on the market from 25th Feb 2023. These are toxic and very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB).

C9-C14 PFCAs act as a substitute for PFOA. This is also added under Candidate List as substances of very high concern (SVHCs) under REACH.

It can be used as a constituent in other substances, mixtures or articles, if the mixture, or the article is below 25 ppb for the sum of C9-C14 PFCAs and their salts or 260 ppb for the sum of C9-C14 PFCA-related substances.

The regulation is applicable from 4th July 2023 to:

• Textiles for oil – and water repellency for protection of workers from dangerous liquids.
• The manufacturer of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), used in the production of:
  • Industrial sealants capable of preventing volatile organic compound leakage.
  • Equipment for industrial waste heat exchange.
  • Membranes used in corrosion resistant gas filters, water filters and medical devices.

The regulation is applicable from 4th July 2025 for:

• Photographic coatings applied to films.
• Implantable and invasive medical devices.
• Fire-fighting foam for liquid fuel vapor suppression and liquid fuel fire for Class B fires.
• photolithography or etch processes used in the manufacture of semiconductors.

Different transition periods are granted to certain industry and professional. Articles placed before 25th of Feb 2023 on EU market are exempted.

Talk to one of our REACH Regulation Specialists today!