German automobile manufacturer Porsche said it is expecting changes to the current EU PFAS restriction proposal, expressing concern on the ban of a chemical class used and distributed in most of its products.
In its annual sustainability report, published earlier this month, Porsche said it had identified several risks associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances regulation. "Due to the fact that PFAS is used and distributed in the majority of the Porsche AG Group’s products, the potential ban may affect the upstream and downstream value chain and the company’s own business activities," the company said.
The report said the PFAS restriction will have potential cost and sales risks, as well as compliance and legal risks, with the transition to PFAS-free alternatives associated with high research and development costs.
"Porsche closely monitors the regulatory developments and manages the identified risk through a dedicated working group, and changes to the current content of the restriction proposal are expected," the company said.
Unfeasible production
The European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) said the extensive definition of the proposed restriction indicates that numerous automotive components contain PFAS, predominantly fluoropolymers.
In November, ECHA confirmed it was exploring alternative options to a PFAS ban for certain sectors, such as batteries, medical devices, semiconductors and, potentially, fluoropolymers.
"As it stands, this proposal would render the production, approval and market introduction of vehicles unfeasible, hindering the advancement of green technologies and electromobility," the trade body told Chemical Watch News & Insight.
The association said the automotive sector currently lacks alternatives to PFAS and the timeframe required to research and validate substitutes is unachievable under the existing proposal.
"Therefore, we urge lawmakers to provide sufficient lead times in cases where alternatives are not available and to implement a review clause to assess progress," the trade body added.
Single restriction
Last week, European authorities said they were working to finalise the universal restriction proposal with a single restriction for all uses, rather than a phased approach focusing on consumers' uses first and then non-essential industrial uses.
The European Commission said it will publish a targeted REACH revision and give clarity on the universal PFAS restriction by the end of the year. The restriction proposal is expected in 2026.