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ECHA Broaden PFAS Restriction Proposal

European Oilfield Speciality Chemicals Association

The PFAS restriction proposal under REACH which aims to restrict the manufacture, marketing and use of all per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the EU has been broadened to cover more substances.

Due to the very high persistence of PFASs in the environment Member States have expanded the proposed restriction and have launched a questionnaire to gain an understanding that will feed into the REACH Annex XV Restriction Dossier. Evaluation of the most appropriate restriction measures will then be considered.

Upstream Oil & Gas PFAS Uses
The following uses of PFAS have been identified in the Upstream Oil & Gas Industry, although prevalence of current use is considered low in production and drilling products:

  • Aqueous Film Forming Foam (“AFFF”) fire suppression spray;
  • Hydraulic oils used to prevent things such as corrosion; and
  • Surfactants (compounds that lower the surface tension between two liquids) in oil reservoirs used to increase production

EOSCA has discussed this issue at its June 2020 meeting and Members and other chemical suppliers using PFAS are encouraged to complete the questionnaire, before 31 July 2020.