The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) has published an interim position statement on the approach to persistent, mobile, toxic (PMT) concept to support UK REACH risk management of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a broad class of synthetic, fluorinated organic chemicals. This applies to GB and can be accessed here.
DEFRA say that applying an approach to manage the risk associated with PMT or very persistent, very mobile (vPvM) concerns to PFAS will support chemical regulation in GB. This includes proposed restrictions under UK REACH and builds on the 2023 Regulatory Management Options Analysis (RMOA).The statement also provides a basis to prioritise research in addressing gaps in technical knowledge, available data and appropriate test methods that limit the application of the PMT concept.
In addition, Defra has shared a call for comments on indicative lists for long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), PFOA and PFHxS, their salts and related compounds.
The Committee adopted the decision to recommend the Conference of Parties consider listing long-chain PFCAs, their salts, and related compounds in Annex A of the Convention, allowing for specific exemptions. This listing extends to compounds classified as substances capable of degrading or transforming into long-chain PFCAs. The committee decided to establish an intersessional working group tasked with developing a draft indicative list of long-chain PFCAs, their salts, and related compounds. The committee has requested additional information / feedback on the indicative lists to support further updating and the ongoing consultation process.
The lists can be accessed on the Stockholm Convention website – referring to Section 2: Invitation for comments on indicative lists and explanatory notes for long-chain PFCAs, PFOA, and PFHxS following POPRC-20.
If you wish to submit comments you can share them with DEFRA until 30 June 2025 via POPs@defra.gov.uk. You can find out more information on the call for comments here.
Please review these internally, considering any impact on your products and If you have any concerns or questions, please contact the regulatory team at regulatory@pagb.co.uk.
