AMDEA welcomes the UK Government’s recent response to the Environmental Audit Committee’s report on PFAS in which the Government recognised that PFAS represent an important environmental challenge and acknowledged the need for precaution, but  emphasised evidence-based regulation, proportionality, consideration of alternatives and the avoidance of unintended consequences.

AMDEA contributed evidence to the inquiry and was pleased to be referenced in the Committee’s report on the importance of avoiding unnecessary regulatory divergence between Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the EU.

In its evidence, AMDEA emphasised that PFAS regulation should be evidence-based, proportionate and attentive to both risks and benefits. For the home appliance sector, this is particularly important because PFAS use is principally associated with fluoropolymers, which provide specific performance characteristics in products and components. Alternatives may not always be immediately available or straightforward to deploy and could therefore impact appliance performance.

Regulatory compatibility is also a practical issue for appliance manufacturers. EU REACH continues to apply in Northern Ireland, while UK REACH applies in Great Britain. This creates the potential for fragmented requirements, increased compliance complexity and additional cost for businesses operating across UK and European markets.

AMDEA is therefore reassured that the Government has recognised the importance of maintaining a coherent and proportionate regulatory approach, working closely with the EU to minimise unnecessary divergence, uphold high environmental and public health standards and support the competitiveness of UK industry.

AMDEA members also welcome the Government’s indication that UK REACH reform should enable protections to be applied more quickly and efficiently, and that final EU regulatory decisions should be drawn from by the UK Government unless there are compelling reasons to diverge.

PFAS regulation must protect people and the environment. It should also carefully consider risks, benefits, the availability and performance of suitable alternatives, and the practical implications for consumers and businesses. AMDEA will continue to engage constructively with Government, regulators and members as UK REACH reform and future PFAS policy develop.