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EU: REACH Annex XVII C9-C14 PFCAs restriction has been published

AUGUST 2021 - ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS, HARDLINES, SOFTLINES, TOYS AND CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS

On 5 August 2021, the European Union’s restriction on C9-C14 perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), their salts and related substances was published in the Official Journal as Regulation (EU) No 2021/1297¹ . This replaces the Annex XVII entry 68 to REACH Regulation. 

C9-C14 PFCAs are bioaccumulative and belong to the most persistent chemical substances known. These were found as unavoidable by-products during the production of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) with carbon chain less than 9 carbon atoms and they are potentially used as substitutes for PFOA. A variety of commercial applications use PFAS for example, water, oil and grease repellent treatments for carpets, furniture and clothing. It can be found in teflon products, semiconductors and fire-fighting foam. C9-C14 PFCAs (PFNA, PFDA, PFUnDA, PFDoDA, PFTrDA, PFTDA ) have been added to the Candidate List as substances of very high concern (SVHCs) under REACH.

Germany and Sweden proposed this restriction back in 2017. Taking into account the Annex XV dossier and the opinions of European Chemicals Agency’s committees, the European Commission considers that the risk to human health from the placing on the market or use of C9-C14 PFCAs, their salts and related substances is unacceptable, and the risk needs to be addressed on a Union wide basis. REACH Annex XVII should be amended accordingly. The highlight of the restriction can be found in Table A.

The new restriction will apply from 25 February 2023, and some applications can enjoy longer transition periods.

Table A.  Restriction on C9-C14 PFCAs

[1]  Legal text – Regulation (EU) No. 2021/1297