Regulatory body the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), headquartered in Helsinki, has announced that the six-month consultation period for restrictions to 10,000-plus per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) proposed by authorities in Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Norway and the Netherlands back in January began on March 22.

ECHA therefore invites parties with relevant scientific or technical knowledge to share regarding the production, sale and use of PFAS to do so before 11.59 pm Helsinki time (EEST) on September 25.

The agency specified that it would be especially interested in receiving information about any potential risks or expected socioeconomic impacts related to the proposal, plus “alternative substances”.

It also noted that an online, English-language knowledge session will run between 11 am and 1 pm EEST on April 5, during which ECHA and representatives from the five authorities will discuss the proposal's contents, how to take part and what will happen next if Europe subsequently moves to restrict the chemicals in question.

There is no need to register, ECHA said, as the livestream will be accessible via its homepage. Any questions for the panel can be sent ahead of time using this link, to be answered during the live event.

Take a look at our recent interview with Sympatex chief executive, Rüdiger Fox, on what he thinks will become of ‘forever chemicals’ like PFAS in the coming months and years here.

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