PFAS regulation What matters now and how we can help

What are PFAS and why are they in focus?

PFAS are highly durable, chemically stable compounds used in a wide range of industrial and commercial applications, including gaskets, coatings, and membranes. Due to their extreme persistence, they degrade very slowly – if at all – and tend to accumulate in the environment. As a result, they are increasingly associated with potential risks to human health and the ecosystem.

What does this mean for your applications?

For the gasket industry, the ECHA’s November Progress Update marked a significant development. In the report, the German Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health [BAuA], together with authorities from the four other countries, placed particular focus on fluoropolymers. Gaskets used in a wide variety of residential, commercial, and industrial applications were explicitly identified as an additional area of use.

The sector-specific approach to evaluating PFAS applications is a welcome development. Equally positive are the proposed temporary exemptions for critical uses where no viable alternatives currently exist. A noteworthy new aspect is the consideration of layered regulatory measures as a potential alternative to an outright ban.

Where do we stand today?

The ECHA’s proposals are currently undergoing scientific review. Although an official final opinion is expected in 2025, many industry stakeholders consider this timeline to be overly optimistic. 

In their initial meetings in March of this year, the ECHA’s two responsible committees – the Committee for Risk Assessment [RAC] and the Committee for Socio-Economic Analysis [SEAC] – continued their evaluation of the proposed restrictions. Both committees have issued preliminary assessments concerning the use of fluorinated gases. Additionally, RAC has presented initial conclusions regarding the transport and energy sectors. SEAC is set to continue discussions on these applications during its June meeting. 

A phased assessment of additional sectors is scheduled in the coming months. In June 2025, topics on the agenda include medical devices, lubricants, transport [continued SEAC review], energy [continued SEAC review], and electronics and semiconductors [initial RAC discussion]. 

Following this, the committees will focus more closely on electronics, semiconductors, and other remaining areas of application. 

This detailed, sector-by-sector approach underscores the complexity of the process and supports the widespread view that a final decision in 2025 is highly unlikely. 

What does this mean for you – and how can we help you?

As your partner for reliable sealing solutions, we are closely monitoring all regulatory developments. We're in continuous dialogue with authorities, suppliers, and industry experts to proactively identify solutions – whether through alternative materials, technical modifications, or innovative product developments.

In a recent episode of the IDT Podcast, we spoke with BAuA expert and chemist Dr. Frauke Averbeck, about the current status of the PFAS restriction process and how we can ensure that necessary change doesn't turn into a step backward.

We provide you with up-to-date insights, proactive guidance on regulatory risks, and future-proof solutions that secure your applications.

Get in touch – together, we’ll develop the right strategy for your needs.