Source · Select Committees · Environmental Audit Committee
Recommendation 14
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 AI-generated
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.
Summary of the government's response below — read the verbatim text to verify.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government · verbatim extract
Not Addressed
The government agrees with the Committee on the potential benefits of a group-based approach to PFAS regulation in addressing risks more effectively and efficiently and already draws on extensive independent scientific and regulatory expertise in this area. As set out in our response to recommendation 3 and 4, we await to see the final EU REACH universal PFAS restriction, including how it applies a group- based approach. The HSE’s Regulatory Management Options Analysis (RMOA) on PFAS set out a clear rationale for a grouping approach based on OECD’s foundational work. The RMOA was recognised by Defra’s independent Hazardous Substances Advisory Committee (HSAC) as “comprehensive and well researched”, with a methodology that is “thorough and logical” and provides a reasoned basis for grouping PFAS. Together, this evidence will help ensure any future UK approach is effective, proportionate and grounded in the best available science.
Read the full response on Parliament ↗