The universal PFAS restriction proposal and F-gases

We present an update on the universal PFAS restriction proposal and F-gases.

Published 30.03.2022

Over the last two years the five countries Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden and Norway have been working together on a restriction proposal targeting all PFAS in all applications.

Collected and compiled information 

Among the work done so far, we have collected and compiled information related to hazard for human health and the environment of the substances in this group.

We have also described and assessed the different applications of PFAS and the availability of alternatives.

As part of this work, we have run two calls for evidence where stakeholders have had the opportunity to provide information, one in 2020 and one in 2021.

Submit the restriction proposal in January 2023

The original intention was to submit the restriction proposal in July 2022, but we recently delayed the expected submission date until January 2023 as we needed some more time to finalize the assessment of the different applications.

F-gases and their applications in e.g. heating, ventilation, air-conditioning and refrigeration constitute a part of the PFAS restriction proposal as many F-gases fall within the PFAS scope definition.

While the contribution to global warming from F-gases is regulated in the EU F-gas regulation, other concerns related to F-gases are not sufficiently addressed. 

An update on the universal PFAS restriction proposal and F-gases

Additional information

If you need additional information on the procedure with restriction proposals, we recommend ECHA's webpage on the restriction process.