Regulators in the United States and Europe are eyeing chemicals in the per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) class. For a comprehensive overview, see this IPC blog article.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has codified a list of 172 PFAS that are subject to reporting through the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) program. On June 22, the EPA issued a final significant new use rule (SNUR) for long-chain perfluoroalkyl carboxylate and perfluoroalkyl sulfonate (LCPFAC) chemical substances.

Meanwhile, five European countries are calling for evidence on PFAS usage as they prepare a joint proposal under the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) program. And the European Commission is already asking for feedback on limit values for 10 different substances under the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation, including some PFAS. The POPs impact assessment will be open for feedback until August 7.

Please let us know if you use PFAS in your electronics processes and products.

IPC U.S. Contact: Kelly Scanlon.

IPC Europe Contact: Alison James.