As part of our continued commitment to providing updates regarding changes to the REACH Directive, be advised that PFCAs, perfluorocarboxylic acids, their salts and related substances are being added to REACH Annex XVII, the “Restricted List.” The majority of the restrictions for this group of substances will enter into force as of 25 February 2023, with subsequent restrictions being phased in later. The completion of this addition to the Restricted List is via updated language to entry 68, the restriction of PFOA, perfluorooctanoic acid which is identified as a PFCA. Thus, the restrictions in entry 68 are now revised and applicable to all PFCAs.
For more information and details, see the revised entry 68 for REACH Annex XVII here.
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has published a global database of PFAS that includes all PFCAs. For details of the long-chain (C9-C14) PFCAs in-scope, refer to column E (Molecular Formula) in the Worksheet “3_overview_with_CAS” of the file from OECD which can be found here.
PFCAs have long been used in the production of fluoropolymers, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, known more widely as Teflon. Common applications of these substances include stain-repellent treatments for carpets, upholstery, clothing, use in semiconductors, and fire-extinguishing foams.
For continued information, follow our blog to keep up to date about changes to material content reporting and to regulations, like REACH.
