Proposed restriction could impact the semi-conductor and cosmetic industries
Do you manufacture, import or use C9-C14 Perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), their salts and related substances (precursors), or articles containing these substances?
If so the Chemical Helpdesk of the Health and Safety Authority would like to bring the following information to your attention. There is currently a proposal being considered by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) to introduce a restriction on the manufacturing, import and use of C9-C14 Perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), their salts and related substances (precursors), and articles containing these substances.
This restriction of C9-C14 Perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), their salts and related substances is intended to prevent a switch by industry previously using PFOA-based substances (‘C8 chemistry’) to longer chain PFCAs (‘C9-14 chemistry’) to fulfil the same role in the end products.
PFOA and PFOA based substances are themselves the subject of a restriction which takes effect in 2020. PFOA has been used because of its special properties such as high friction resistance, dielectric properties, resistance to heat and chemical agents, low surface energy, as well as water, grease, oil, and dirt repellence. PFOA and PFOA-related substances are used in a wide range of industrial applications as well as consumer products: in fluoropolymer and fluoroelastomer production, photographic industry, surfactants in the semiconductor industry, surfactants in fire-fighting foams, wetting agents and cleaning agents, in sensor technology and medical technology, textiles and leather products, paper and cardboard products (including food packaging), paints and lacquers (including exterior and interior architectural paints), cookware, skiwax, etc.
If you are unsure, please ask your suppliers as This may have implications for your business in the future.
Read more about this ban and how it could affect your business in the background document. Submissions can be made to the European Chemicals Agency before 20th June 2018, but preferably before February 16th. Details are provided in the background document. The public consultation specifically seeks input from the semi-conductor and cosmetics industries and asks whether a time-derogation is necessary.
Return to chemicals homepage
