The Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM) has fully added per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to its Substances of Very High Concern (ZZS) list. This action emphasizes the need for Dutch companies to significantly reduce PFAS use and emissions.
The Deputy Minister of RIVM stated that companies unable to eliminate PFAS emissions entirely must submit a revised emissions reduction plan every five years.
This update moves previously identified PFAS from the potential ZZS (pZZS) list to the official ZZS list. Over 100 substances, including PFAS and their classifications, were officially added to the ZZS list on December 4.
The ZZS list, guided by Article 57 of the EU REACH regulations, other EU laws, and the OSPAR Convention, includes substances potentially harmful to human health and ecosystems. The RIVM maintains and updates this list biannually.
Of note, the Netherlands is among the first nations to propose a comprehensive PFAS ban, now under review by the European Chemicals Agency's (ECHA) Scientific Committee.