Federal Council wants stricter rules for handling perpetual chemicals
Published: Friday, Dec 6th 2024, 13:40
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The Federal Council wants to tighten the rules on microplastics and so-called perpetual chemicals. On Friday, it proposed corresponding amendments to the ordinance in order to harmonize Swiss practice with EU law.
In order to better protect health and the environment, the Chemical Risk Reduction Ordinance (ORRChem) is to be amended, as announced by the Federal Council. To this end, provisions of EU law on perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl compounds (PFAS) and microplastics are to be adopted. The consultation will last until March 21.
In addition, existing regulations on lead-containing polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and formaldehyde are to be tightened and regulations on ozone-depleting substances and synthetic greenhouse gases adapted. According to the Federal Council, Switzerland is fulfilling its international obligations with these amendments and reflecting the current state of the art.
Replace with other substances
According to the Federal Office for the Environment (FOEN), PFAS are virtually non-degradable in the environment and are therefore also known as perpetual chemicals. They are often found in everyday products - for example in water-repellent rain jackets, Teflon-coated frying pans or fire-fighting foam. They can also be detected in varying concentrations in the food chain and in humans.
Efforts are underway internationally to curb the marketing of PFAS. From November 1, 2026, PFAS substances will also be banned in Switzerland in products in which they can be easily replaced. According to the Federal Council's explanatory report, the restrictions relate to certain textile, leather, fur and footwear products, preparations such as ski waxes or cosmetics, as well as materials and objects that come into contact with food.
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