14 Not Addressed

The Government should draw on independent scientific and regulatory expertise in taking a group-based approach...

Recommendation
The Government should draw on independent scientific and regulatory expertise in taking a group-based approach for PFAS regulation within three months of the EU’s forthcoming assessment. This should include assessing options for grouping PFAS with similar structures, so that future restrictions can be applied more swiftly, and effectively as new evidence emerges. (Recommendation, Paragraph 57)
Government Response Summary
The government's response discusses the challenges of mandatory PFAS reporting and improving supply chain transparency, rather than addressing the recommendation to adopt a group-based approach for PFAS regulation and assess grouping options.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government Not Addressed
We have also considered options for mandatory PFAS reporting through the Defra-commissioned research referenced in our response to recommendation 11. This work found that obtaining information on what PFAS is contained in mixtures and articles, and their concentrations, would be challenging in many cases. Given that chemical supply chains are often global, spanning multiple jurisdictions, this adds significant complexity to tracing PFAS use, as information may be fragmented, inconsistently recorded, or not readily accessible. As a result, mandatory reporting requirements would require careful design to ensure they are practical, proportionate and capable of delivering meaningful improvements in transparency. Through delivery of the PFAS Plan, we will continue to engage with industry to explore how supply chain transparency can be improved over time.