Did you know LC-PFCAs restriction is already in effect?
The European Commission restricts perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) as Entry 68 of the Regulation for Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) Annex XVII. The restriction will be applicable as of February 25, 2023. PFCAs cannot be placed on the market or used after that date. Some applications have been granted longer transition periods. Long-chain PFCAs, their salts and related compounds are members of the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) chemical class. Long-chain PFCAs are persistent, bio accumulative, have evidence of adverse effects to human health and the environment. Long-chain PFCAs has wider applications in electronic articles, medical devices, automotive care products. It is also used in cookware and household products, Building and construction materials, Textiles and apparel, Fire-fighting foam etc. The release of long-chain PFCAs into the environment can occur directly or indirectly. It can be directly released during production process. Compounds related to long-chain PFCAs can be emitted to the environment indirectly through biotic or abiotic degradation. Humans may be exposed to long-chain PFCAs and their related products through food, drinking water, indoor/outdoor air or dust and consumer products. The restriction will hopefully reduce or prevent exposure of people and the environment to PFCAs. Government of Canada has also proposed to list LC-PFCAs as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention. For information on the PFCA restriction details above, contact one of our compliance experts today.
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!