The German government is reportedly working to prevent a blanket ban on so-called “forever chemicals” – PFAS substances – within the European Union. This position puts the government at odds with its own paramount labor protection agency.
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are widely used in the production of numerous products including cookware, rainwear, surgical equipment and cosmetics. Concerns have arisen due to their persistence in the environment and potential adverse health effects, with some studies suggesting links to cancer, immune system damage and reproductive issues.
In January 2023, environmental authorities from Denmark, Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands submitted a restriction proposal for PFAS chemicals to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), a proposal in which the German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health participated. The proposal aims for a broad prohibition of all PFAS substances within the European Economic Area.
A decision on the restriction proposal is expected from ECHA next year. The European Commission will ultimately have the final say, making the decision alongside the governments of its member states. The German government’s stance diverges from that of its own regulatory body. Previously, within coalition agreements, both the CDU/CSU and SPD parties have expressed a general rejection of “total bans for entire groups of chemical substances”. A government spokesperson confirmed that the government will advocate for its position to be incorporated into the restriction proposal at the EU level, ensuring continued, potentially indefinite, use of PFAS where suitable alternatives are not currently available and implementing appropriate transition periods and exemptions.