Perfluorocarboxylic acids (C9-C14 PFCAs) and their salts banned in the EU as 25th February 2023

Linear and branched perfluorocarboxylic acids containing 9 to 14 carbon atoms in the chain (‘C9-C14 PFCAs’), their salts and C9-C14 PFCA- related substances currently mainly occur in the Union as unintended by-products during the manufacture of perfluorinated and polyfluorinated substances containing a carbon chain of less than nine carbon atoms, such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). Furthermore, it is possible that companies may consider the use of C9-C14 PFCAs, their salts and C9-C14 PFCA- related substances as substitutes for PFOA, its salts and related substances in the future, especially after the Union Law restrictions on PFOA (Perflourooctanoic acid).

Thus, to prevent future possible manufacturing and use resulting in increasing releases into the environment, last 2021 the Regulation (EU) 2021/1297, established a period for the use of these substances that expires the 25 th February 2023. From this data C9-C14 PFCAs can not be placed on the market or used in most applications in the EU/EEA. Although some uses have been granted longer transition periods.

The restriction reduces exposure to this harmful subgroup of PFAS and prevents the substitution of PFOA, which were banned globally since 2020, and recently regulated in some foods in the EU (Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/2388) as they are one of the PFAS found in highest concentration in food and human.

At Mérieux NutriSciences, we have extensive experience in PFAS analysis in food, environment, and waters and we collaborate in various working groups dealing with technical aspects: equipment, limits and controlled molecules. 

Thanks to our multidisciplinary teams of experts, we developed analytical methods specifics for food, packaging and food contact materials, environment and water. 

Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), establishing a European Chemicals Agency, amending Directive 1999/45/EC and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 793/93 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 1488/94 as well as Council Directive 76/769/EEC and Commission Directives 91/155/EEC, 93/67/EEC, 93/105/EC and 2000/21/EC