Navigate the Complexities of PFAS Regulations with Confidence
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often termed “forever chemicals,” have become a focal point of environmental and health regulations due to their persistence and potential risks. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has intensified its oversight, mandating comprehensive reporting and accountability from manufacturers and importers. Non-compliance can result in substantial penalties and reputational damage.
Who Must Comply?
Under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) Section 8(a)(7), the EPA requires:
All manufacturers and importers of PFAS, including those who have produced or imported PFAS-containing articles from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2022, to report detailed information.
This encompasses companies of all sizes, with no exemptions for small businesses or minimal usage.
Failure to comply by the deadline of January 11, 2026 may result in penalties up to $48,512 per day
Common Products and Commodities Containing PFAS
PFAS are widely used across industries because of their chemical resistance and durability. Common products and commodities containing PFAS include:
Textiles and Apparel: Water-repellent outdoor clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, carpets, and upholstery.
Food Packaging: Grease-resistant papers, fast food wrappers, microwave popcorn bags, and pizza boxes.
Electronics: Wiring insulation, semiconductors, and other electronic components.
Industrial Goods: Firefighting foams (AFFF), industrial lubricants, and surfactants.
Automotive and Aerospace: Hydraulic fluids, fuel systems, and parts requiring chemical resistance.
Medical Devices: Catheters, surgical gowns, and other fluid-resistant materials.
Cosmetics and Personal Care Products: Some foundations, lotions, sunscreens, and shaving creams.
Companies involved in manufacturing, importing, or selling these categories must carefully assess their supply chains for PFAS presence to remain compliant.
Why Most Companies Are Unprepared
Despite growing regulatory pressure, most companies today lack the systems to accurately identify PFAS risks across their complex supply chains.In fact, according to a 2024 survey by Chemical Watch, over 70% of businesses report they do not know how to screen their suppliers or products for PFAS presence (Chemical Watch, 2024).This leaves companies vulnerable to regulatory violations, costly remediation, and reputational harm.
FRDM Is Your Partner in PFAS Compliance
FRDM’s supply chain risk management platform offers:
Comprehensive Supply Chain Mapping: Visualize your entire supply chain to identify potential PFAS risks.
Real-Time Monitoring: Stay updated on regulatory changes and supplier compliance statuses.
Automated Reporting: Streamline data collection and submission processes to meet EPA requirements efficiently.
Risk Mitigation Strategies: Implement proactive measures to address and reduce PFAS-related risks.Supplier Engagement: efficiently work suppliers to solicit required intelligence and documentation
By leveraging FRDM’s capabilities, companies can ensure compliance, protect their brand reputation, and contribute to a safer environment.
Comprehensive Reporting Requirements
Companies must submit all known or reasonably ascertainable information regarding:Chemical identities and structures of PFAS substances.
Categories of use and production volumes.
Byproducts, disposal methods, and potential exposures.
Environmental and health effects.
Submissions are made electronically through the EPA’s Central Data Exchange (CDX) platform (EPA Reporting Guide, 2024).
Why Most Companies Are Unprepared
Despite growing regulatory pressure, most companies today lack the systems to accurately identify PFAS risks across their complex supply chains.In fact, according to a 2024 survey by Chemical Watch, over 70% of businesses report they do not know how to screen their suppliers or products for PFAS presence (Chemical Watch, 2024).This leaves companies vulnerable to regulatory violations, costly remediation, and reputational harm.
