REACH Compliance - PFAS Update: More than 10,000 PFAS Compounds to Be Restricted
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are often called “forever chemicals” because they accumulate in the environment and the human body over decades. Scientific studies have shown that nearly all people — including children — have measurable PFAS levels in their blood.
The German Environmental Survey GerES V* confirms:
- PFOS was detected in 100% of blood samples from children
- PFOA was found in 86% of the samples
- 21.1% of children exceeded the HBM-I value for PFOA
- 7.1% exceeded the HBM-I value for PFOS
- 0.2% of cases exceeded the HBM-II value for PFOS — a threshold above which health effects may occur
One particularly concerning aspect: PFAS can be transmitted across the placenta or through breast milk. According to the study, breastfed children showed higher PFAS exposure. Potential health risks include weakened immune response to vaccines, increased susceptibility to infections, elevated cholesterol levels, and lower birth weights.
Documented Health Risks Include:
- Reduced effectiveness of vaccinations
- Greater vulnerability to infections
- Elevated cholesterol levels
- Lower birth weight in newborns
What Companies Need to Know: EU Regulation Is Moving Forward
Germany, together with four other EU member states, is pushing for a broad PFAS restriction — aiming for a gradual ban on approximately 10,000 PFAS compounds. Transition periods of up to 13.5 years are being proposed. Fluorinated polymers are also under increasing scrutiny, as they contribute significantly to environmental PFAS pollution throughout their life cycle.
Supply Chain Transparency: Still a Major Gap
Although several PFAS substances — including PFOA, PFOS, PFNA, PFDA, PFHxS, and long-chain PFCAs (C9–C14) — are already listed as SVHCs (Substances of Very High Concern) under REACH, there is still no general labeling requirement for PFAS in Germany.
Current challenges in practice:
- Many suppliers lack reliable data on PFAS content in their products
- Companies are under increasing pressure to proactively identify and report PFAS throughout the supply chain
How Substantio Supports Companies
Substantio enables companies to identify PFAS risks early and manage them systematically:
- Standardized, digital supplier questionnaires for PFAS
- SCIP reporting and SVHC tracking in one centralized platform
- Regulatory alerts and early warning system for restriction proposals
- Screening tools for PFAS-free material alternatives
PFAS regulation is already gaining momentum. Companies that take action now will not only ensure compliance — they will strengthen trust in their products.
