Document N2jr71njBk1wE2EgbR75Odb4E

** * MOW Ref. Ares(2024)2545030 - 08/04/2024 EUROPEAN COMMISSION DIRECTORATE-GENERAL FOR TNTRRNAL MARKRT. INT11:STRIT, PNTRTIFITRNFURANTP ANT) SMFR Fi- rrvdmc 1- Chmiral Fowl, Rlail ThF Brussels GROW.F. 1 grow.f.1(2011P571 ST, & Co. KgaA WIT_CI SE IIMI Ikks11.com Subject: How PFAS is legally banned from the environment without causing enormous harm to socioeconomic coexistence Thank you far your email dated 30 August concerning the re.strialion of PFAS. Pollution from PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) is a serious human health and environmental concern. considering ihe large number of cases of soil and water contamination across Europe - including drinking water. At the same time. PFAS are needed in critical applications. for example in the digital and energy sectors (e.g. semiconductors. electrolysers and memhranes for green hydrogen production). Under the REACH Regulation, five national authorities (from the Netherlands. Germany, Denmark, Swerle.n and Norway) haw proposed a broad ban with some derogations nn ihe use of PFAS. This proposal is currently undergoing an independent scientific assessment in the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) Committees. The Commission continues to work with all stakeholders to ensure that the figure restrictions on PFAS go hand in hand with innovative solutions that can underpin the important twin transition of the European economy, as well as our strategic autonomy. Tinder the current REACH regulation. derogarions from restrictions can he granted fused on the assessment of risk, including emissions, availability of alternatives and socioeconomic impacts. Therefore, the Commission envisages that derogations will he introduced for critical uses where no alternatives are currently available, while taking into account the need to minimize emissions. The Commission also welcomes voluntary agreements among industry that can contribute to reducing emissions of PEAS though their entire life cycle. While fully committed to the ohpectives of the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainahility to phase out PEAS unless essential for society, the Commission will ensure, at the time of deciding on a restriction of PEAS under REACH. the necessary consistency with other key Ell pol icy objectives. such as making the ET: carbon-neutral by 2050 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 55% in 2030. Yours sincerely. *L6 Crwrr...., . I rtla mcse I, RET.GICITT;p1=1FIXITE -- Tel_ +32 7299I I 11