FAQs
What are the PFAS Regulations and the Implications?
Description
Earlier regulations target specific molecules like PFOA and PFOS and restrict their usage on an almost global basis. Omniseal Solutions complies with these regulations and has established the necessary quality controls to monitor the presence of these substances in our manufacturing supply chain.
New and Potential Regulations Around the World
Description
In several regions, further regulatory initiatives are under discussion to restrict the use and sale of PFAS or specific subsets of substances within the family. Some U.S. states (such as Maine, California, and Minnesota) as well as some countries (such as Denmark) are restricting the broad use of PFAS for certain applications.
In Europe, five countries (Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden) have submitted a restriction proposal to the European Commission to restrict the use of PFAS within the European Union territory.
If this restriction proposal is adopted as currently written by the European institutions, no article containing PFAS—and therefore fluoropolymers—could be manufactured, sold, or used in the EU, including imported goods, after a defined deadline. Depending on the application or sector affected by the ban, time-limited derogations (5 years or 12 years) are included in the proposal. (see ECHA report XV).
Does my Solution Contain PFAS? Am I Affected?
Description
All fluoropolymers—such as PTFE or FEP—as well as fluoroelastomers, including fluorosilicones (FS), fluorocarbons (FKM), and perfluorocarbons (FFKM), are classified as PFAS according to ECHA and OECD.
If one of your products includes a part or component containing any of these materials, even at a very limited percentage (the European restriction proposal sets a maximum of 50 ppm for fluoropolymers), a ban on PFAS would prevent you from producing or placing this product on the specified markets and applications in the relevant territory. If you supply your product to an OEM that integrates it into a larger system, that OEM would also be unable to sell its product in the relevant territory.
The European proposal includes time-limited derogations (5 or 12 years) to the ban for specific markets and applications, depending on their criticality and the difficulty of finding or developing substitutes. Please refer to the ECHA restriction proposal to determine if your market or application is subject to an intended derogation. If your application is not covered, it is not intended to receive any derogation if the proposal is adopted in its current form.
Description
In light of growing PFAS regulation, some suppliers have decided to wind down or even stop their production of fluoropolymers. Note that Omniseal Solutions has always maintained a diversified and compliant supplier base to minimize potential disruptions.
Additionally, various large corporations, particularly in consumer goods markets, have launched plans to remove PFAS from their supply chains. Therefore, even if you are not directly affected by these bans, there is a risk that you will face supply chain issues in the coming years and increasing customer demand to find alternatives.