EU proposes Union-wide ban on PFHxA in cosmetics to address environmental and health risks

Ingredients: UNDECAFLUOROHEXANOIC ACID (PFHxA), its salts, and related substances

Date of publication: 19/06/2023

On June 19, 2023, the European Commission notified WTO of a draft regulation amending the Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 (REACH). This draft proposes to prohibit the use of Undecafluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA), its salts, and related substances in various applications, including cosmetics.

BACKGROUND

Undecafluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA), its salts, and related substances are persistent in the environment and have hazardous properties, which can lead to their accumulation in the environment and increased exposure for both the environment and humans.

WHAT’S NEW?

On June 19, 2023, the European Commission notified WTO of a draft regulation aiming at amending the Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH).

This draft proposes to prohibit the use of Undecafluorohexanoic Acid (PFHxA), its salts, and related substances in various applications, including cosmetics, and is currently open for comments until August 18, 2023.

To address the environmental and health risks, the draft proposes that PFHxA, its salts and related substances shall not be used in cosmetics in a concentration equal to or greater than 25 ppb for the sum of PFHxA and its salts, or 1000 ppb for the sum of PFHxA-related substances, measured in homogeneous material.

WHAT NOW?

A non-exhaustive list of substances belonging to the scope of the restriction proposal is available here.

Proposed date of adoption: Fourth quarter of 2023.

Proposed date of entry into force: 20 days from publication in the Official Journal of the EU.

The restriction for cosmetic products will enter into force 24 months after the entry into force of this amending Regulation.

References:

WTO – Draft Commission Regulation amending Annex XVII to Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards undecafluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), its salts and PFHxA-related substances

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