UK Launches Inquiry into PFAS 'Forever Chemicals': What This Means for Product Compliance
Are your products potentially containing PFAS "forever chemicals"? If you manufacture or import items like waterproof clothing, non-stick cookware, cosmetics, or food packaging, a new UK regulatory inquiry could significantly impact your compliance requirements.
A new focus on chemical safety
On 10 April 2025, the Environmental Audit Committee (EAC) launched a new inquiry addressing the risks from Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). This investigation signals heightened scrutiny of these persistent chemicals that are widely used across numerous industries.
For product safety managers and compliance executives, this development requires immediate attention as it may lead to substantial regulatory changes affecting market access.
What are PFAS and why the concern?
PFAS comprise a family of more than 14,000 man-made chemicals valued for their resistance to heat, water, oil, and grease. These properties have made them ubiquitous in consumer and industrial products worldwide.
However, their extreme durability is also their greatest drawback. These substances:
- Persist in the environment for decades
- Accumulate in human and animal bodies
- Have been linked to serious health concerns
Research indicates PFAS exposure may lead to decreased fertility, developmental delays in children, increased cancer risks, and immune system suppression. These growing health concerns have prompted regulators worldwide to reassess their approach to these chemicals.
Scope of the inquiry
The EAC's investigation will examine several critical aspects of PFAS regulation and management:
- Whether UK health and environmental regulators are adequately equipped to detect, monitor, and understand PFAS risks
- The sophistication of current knowledge regarding how and where PFAS enter supply chains
- Available technologies and solutions to treat PFAS pollution
- The adequacy of the current regulatory framework, including UK REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals)
- Potential regulatory divergence across different parts of the UK
- Lessons that can be learned from other jurisdictions such as the EU and US
Environmental Audit Committee Chair, Toby Perkins MP, noted: "News coverage has exposed the level of problems with PFAS, and has shone a light that the UK's regulatory approach is far less active than in many other jurisdictions."
Regulatory approaches being considered
The inquiry will specifically examine whether:
- A precautionary approach to PFAS is desirable
- An approach that uses regulation to assess both benefits and risks is more appropriate
- Current UK REACH provisions are adequate for managing PFAS risks
This assessment will include comparing the UK's approach with stricter regulations already implemented or proposed in the European Union and United States.
Steps manufacturers and importers should take now
To prepare for potential regulatory changes resulting from this inquiry, companies should:
- Conduct an inventory of products potentially containing PFAS compounds
- Map your supply chain to identify PFAS sources and potential substitutes
- Review emerging technologies for PFAS detection and monitoring
- Stay informed about regulatory developments in the EU and US that may influence UK policy
- Evaluate potential alternative materials or processes that could eliminate PFAS use
- Prepare documentation demonstrating due diligence in chemical management
- Consider participating in the inquiry by submitting evidence before the 26 May 2025 deadline
International perspective
The UK is not alone in scrutinising these chemicals. The EU has proposed significant restrictions on PFAS under its Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, while several US states have implemented bans on PFAS in specific products.
The EAC inquiry will specifically examine how other jurisdictions regulate PFAS use and disposal, seeking lessons that could strengthen the UK's approach. This international benchmarking could lead to harmonisation with stricter standards already in place elsewhere.
Looking ahead
The inquiry's findings could substantially reshape the UK's approach to regulating persistent chemicals. Companies that proactively assess their PFAS exposure and explore alternatives will be better positioned to maintain market access as regulations evolve.
With written submissions being accepted until 26 May 2025, there is an opportunity for industry stakeholders to contribute valuable insights to the inquiry process.
At Alura Group, we understand the challenges of navigating complex chemical regulations. If you need assistance evaluating your product portfolio for PFAS compliance risks or developing a regulatory readiness strategy, our team of product compliance experts is ready to help.
