ECHA Enforcement authorities to target PFCAs and related substances

ECHA’s Enforcement Forum approved the implementation of a pilot project to test consumer goods, including cosmetics, for the presence of prohibited perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) and related compounds.

The pilot project’s inspections will start in 2023 and continue throughout the 12 participating nations in 2024.

Objective: –

• PFCAs and related compounds, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), have been classified as substances of extremely high concern due to their harmful qualities, and the goal is to safeguard consumers from exposure to these substances.

• Members of the forum also started an enforcement action to limit the inclusion of prohibited ingredients in tattoo inks. The initiative aims to safeguard consumers from dangerous tattoo inks.

Timeline: –

• The project report should be published at the end of 2024.
• Its timeline and participants will be confirmed in the coming months.

Conclusion: –

According to the POPs Regulation, the EU forbids the marketing of PFOA and related chemicals. Cosmetics are not an exception to this rule. PFCAs are prohibited from being used alone, in combinations, and in finished goods under REACH. Also, REACH expressly prohibits the use of specific chemicals in wash-off cosmetics that are harmful to aquatic life.

In order to safeguard human health and the environment and maintain a level playing field for businesses operating on the EU market, ECHA is in charge of coordinating the implementation of the REACH, CLP, PIC, POPs, and the Biocidal Products laws.

Source : – https://echa.europa.eu/-/enforcement-authorities-to-target-pfcas-and-related-substances