PFAS Restrictions Proposal: What does it mean for the industry? CEIR Webinar: 16th June

16 June 2023, Online Webinar

CEIR are hosting a webinar on 16th of June from 13.00 – 14.15 (BST) to discuss the ongoing efforts to restrict the manufacturing, placing in the market and the use of PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances).

Below you will find some initial information about PFAS and the REGISTRATION LINK FOR THE WEBINAR

Is the EU going to restrict PFAS?

PFAS Restriction Proposal: On February the national authorities of Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway and Sweden presented to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) a restriction proposal on the manufacture, placing on the market and use of PFAS.

Public Consultation: A six-month public consultation is open until September 25, 2023, allowing stakeholders, including trade associations and companies, to share views on the risks, socio-economic aspects, and alternative substances related to PFAS.

  • CEIR, as the representative of the European Taps and Valves Industry and registered in the European Transparency Registry can submit an opinion and present the industry position.

Committee Opinions: Scientific committees will evaluate the proposed restriction, taking into account the consultation input. Draft opinions and further consultations will take place from October to December 2023, with final committee opinions expected in March 2024.

Adoption Process: The European Commission and EU Member States will decide on the restriction based on the proposal and committee opinions. A proposal to amend REACH Annex XVII is expected in 2024, followed by a scrutiny period by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU.

(Reference ECHA dedicate page on PFAS)

What could be the impact for the industry ?

The restriction of PFAS can potentially have an impact on the taps and valves industry. PFAS, such as used in Fluoroelastomers (FKM) and Perfluoroelastomers (FFKM), are commonly used in seals and gaskets for industrial valves. Additionally, materials like Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), PFA, ETFE, and PVDF find applications in pipes, expansion joints, and coatings associated with valve systems in industrial settings.

If restrictions on PFAS are implemented, manufacturers in our industry may need to explore alternative materials or technologies for effective sealing mechanisms and protective coatings. It is crucial to understand the proposed restriction and the potential implications and adapt accordingly.

What CEIR is doing about this?

CEIR has raised attention to this topic since early January. Our BIV TC is working on the topic and is in contact with Europump and various members and stakeholders to exchange knowledge looking to develop a position that is addressing Taps and Valves manufacturer’s needs.

The objective is to participate in the public consultation and submit CEIR official proposal. A dedicated working group will be formed to address the topic.

  • In the upcoming webinar we will be welcoming Europump’s Chair of PFAS Working Group Stefanie Facklam, who has kindly accepted to present Europump work and position on the topic. 
  • CEIR Webinar | 16-June-23 – 13:00 - 14:15 BST (14.00 -15.15 CEST )

To address these important developments, CEIR is organizing a webinar on Friday 16th of June. This webinar will provide updates on the ongoing discussions, insights into the potential impact on our industry, and discuss our association's activities related to PFAS and the actions needed for the participation at the public consultation.

This webinar is for CEIR members, associate members and the companies’ members of CEIR national associations as well as invited stakeholders.

As BEAMA is a member of CEIR, our members are welcome to register for the event.