9th Report - Addressing the risks from Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

The government acknowledges the persistence and potential harm of PFAS, stating that its approach is guided by the Environmental Principles Policy Statement and the Precautionary Principle. They assert that the PFAS Plan is designed to strengthen understanding and take targeted action to reduce PFAS in the environment.

The government agrees with the committee on the potential benefits of a group-based approach to PFAS regulation and notes that its current scientific and regulatory expertise already supports this. It is awaiting the final EU REACH universal PFAS restriction to inform future UK approaches.

The government states that reducing PFAS emissions and supporting safer alternatives are central to their plan, and existing UK REACH frameworks require businesses to understand hazardous properties, but they do not commit to consulting on a new industry-funded mechanism for rapid assessment within 12 months.

The government acknowledges the importance of addressing PFAS exposure through food and agricultural pathways, stating that risk management options, including setting maximum levels, will be considered following a scientific review. The Food Standards Agency is also strengthening testing capabilities and gathering occurrence data.

The government acknowledges the importance of appropriately resourcing the EA for PFAS responsibilities and will continue to assess their medium and long-term needs through established processes, without committing to provide associated funding in the response.

The government acknowledges the importance of improving PFAS supply chain transparency, noting that existing regulatory frameworks (UK REACH, CLP) provide some mechanisms. They are monitoring international developments and will continue to engage with industry to explore future improvements, while acknowledging the challenges of mandatory reporting.

The government acknowledges the value of improving transparency and states existing frameworks provide mechanisms for information on hazardous substances, but does not commit to consulting on mandatory PFAS disclosures across supply chains within six months, citing challenges with global supply chains.

The government welcomes the recommendations on the polluter pays principle, levies, and a national PFAS Remediation Fund, agreeing they warrant serious consideration as part of a longer-term approach, but does not commit to consulting by March 2027 or establishing the fund.

The government recognises the importance of understanding waste management implications and is keeping the issue under active review, noting that current capacity constraints exist. They anticipate an HSE opinion and potential transition periods will inform future understanding of capacity requirements.

The government recognizes the importance of understanding waste implications and is keeping the issue under active review, noting that HSE's forthcoming opinion on PFAS in firefighting foams will set out assessments and that any transition period for restrictions would allow for new treatment capacity.