Overview
On March 25, The ENDS Report quoted Tom Gillett in an article titled "PFAS a 'welcome' focus in UK REACH work programme but overall progress stalled." The article discusses the priority action on PFAS by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) set out in its 2024/25 UK REACH Work Programme.
In the Work Programme, the HSE confirms that it will publish a UK REACH restriction dossier on PFAS in firefighting foams by the end of March 2025. It also states that it plans to initiate a restriction dossier on wide dispersive uses of PFAS "such as the application of coatings or use of cleaning agents" from March 2025 (at the earliest), and a separate restriction on PFAS in consumer products with a projected date of 2026 to 2027.
Tom noted, "PFAS is currently right at the top of the UK REACH agenda for the HSE. This reflects the priorities of our clients."
Tom also highlighted that the delayed publication of the Work Programme may come as a result of a delay to the long-awaited UK REACH consultation, published in May 2024. While the delay in the response to the consultation can be partly attributed to the change of government during the consultation period, it also likely reflects current efforts to reset the relationship with Europe. With EU/UK negotiations on certain aspects of their future relationship due later in the year, it is not anticipated that the Alternative Transitional Registration model (ATRm) proposed in the consultation will be finalised in advance of those talks.
Read more at The ENDS Report (subscription required).
