Music Besides all the COVID-19 restrictions, we should not forget the EU restrictions on PFAS and Microplastics. In this part of the June 2020 Camp Connection, we talk to Mark Blaney of Acker about his latest news on these restrictions. And of course the COVID-19 situation in Helsinki. Hi Mark, how is Acker coping with COVID-19? Thank you, Jared, and happy to be with you to discuss some of the restriction issues we've been dealing with in the European Chemicals Agency and how we've been affected by the COVID crisis. Like most of Europe, my colleagues have been home working since mid-March, although now some of my colleagues are returning to the office. All of our meetings have been carried out remotely, including our committee meetings, including those of the Risk Assessment Committee and the Social Economic Analysis Committee. And both meetings were held totally virtually in June and they actually went very well. In addition, my colleagues, dealing with the Biosize Regulation, have been helping to ensure that disinfectants can get to the market quickly. And myself, I've been dealing with a number of requests for extensions to ongoing restriction consultations. So this is an overview of perhaps some of the issues we've been dealing with related to the COVID crisis. Hopefully COVID-19 is a temporary situation, but some things are forever. Can you provide us with an update in relation to the restrictions for the forever chemicals, like PFAS? Sure. Actually, Ecker's committees are discussing a number of PFAS substances at the moment, where they've been proposed for restrictions. CAC actually adopted in June its final opinion on one PFAS substance. This is Perflora hexa-1 sulfonic acid or PFHXS. And here, CAC has concluded that the expected benefits and the cost to society are well balanced, indeed, actually that the benefits would outweigh the costs. And therefore, the restriction is the most appropriate way to address the identified risks to the environment. Both committees, both RAC and CAC, are also discussing another PFAS substance with a very similar acronym. This is Undecker Fluro hexa-1 aric acid or PFHXA. And here, they are looking to adopt their opinions later in this year. We've also been asked by the Commission to look at additional delegations, actually from the scope of an already proposed and discussed restriction on C9C14 PFCA. This is another PFAS. And also to see whether additional delegations are needed because of the recent decision to include PFHWR in the Popps regulation. And these delegations are actually linked. Then, in addition, outside of ECHA, five member states, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and Denmark, are considering a much wider restriction on PFAS substances, all the remaining number of substances and all the remaining uses. And this is expected to be developed over the next year. So, quite a few activities relating to PFAS that are ongoing. What can industry and other stakeholders do in this process? Okay, so, for one of the substances I mentioned, PFHXA, this is currently being discussed in the committees, as I said. And there is an ongoing consultation open until the 25th of September this year. And all stakeholders can submit information into that consultation on both the risk and also the impacts of the proposed restriction. So, anyone with such information is warmly welcome to submit this. Then, on the additional delegations that I mentioned for C9C14 PFCA, we have a call for evidence. There's actually open for another couple of weeks until the 6th of July 2020. And again, any information from stakeholders on risks or impacts because of the proposed new delegations, we are well again welcome until that date. Then, the National Authorities, the Member States that I mentioned, have also a call for evidence open. And they're inviting interested parties to send in evidence and information on the use of PFAS substances by the end of July 31st of July 2020. So, these are a number of ways that stakeholders can contribute to the process. In 2019, ECHR proposed restrictions on microplastics. What is the current situation here and what actions do you expect from industry? The ECHR committees have been actively discussing these proposals on the original ECHR proposal for a restriction. And actually, at their June Cleanery meeting, RAC adopted its opinion on the proposal and CCHR agreed its draft opinion. And so, now, the next stage is that a consultation on the CCHR opinion will start, probably on the 1st of July. And this will be open for 60 days. And again, stakeholders can send in information on this CCHR opinion, on CCH issues, before that, before 60 days is completed. These issues that we're particularly interested in are related to the way the biodegradable polymers are identified. Also, information on synthetic infill in sports turf pitches are also in elements that we are interested in getting further information on. Also, the impacts of proposed restrictions on UCS not specifically identified and derogated from the current proposal. We're also interested in information on the impacts of the currently proposed transitional periods for substance-based medical devices on the encapsulation of fragrances in detergents and in cosmetic products and other mixtures. And then lastly, any information on the practical implications of the proposed instructions for use and reporting requirements in the proposal. So these are some of the elements that we're very interested in getting more information on during the consultation on the CCHR draft opinion. Thank you, Mark. Very informative. Hopefully all the COVID-19 restrictions can be lifted soon. Stay safe. You