PFAS regulation is gaining international interest. Australia seeks to join Canada and several US States in requiring PFAS reporting. Late last month, Australia opened a public consultation on PFAS regulations along with issuing a draft evaluation of PFAS introduction and use in Australia. An ArentFox memo gives context:
“Importantly, the draft evaluation is not itself a risk assessment. Rather, it is intended to establish the factual basis for future regulatory action. AICIS proposes to use the information collected, alongside other evidence, to prioritize future PFAS evaluations, beginning with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). AICIS describes TFA as an emerging chemical of interest because it is a common breakdown product of many other PFAS, including some PFAS introduced in high volumes. Most TFA introductions reported were for research and development. AICIS also noted that 66 of the 91 PFAS in industrial or consumer use have been assessed previously, while the remaining 25 unassessed PFAS will be prioritized for evaluation.”
PFAS are widespread and virtually unavoidable. Many of the chemicals under the PFAS umbrella are hazardous to human health. The chemicals are so embedded in global supply chains that it will take a multinational approach to manage and mitigate their use. Australia appears interested in joining that fight. We’ll see if other global economies, particularly producer economies, take action. For now, Australia’s consultation runs until December 2, 2026. We’ll see what PFAS regulations emerge in Australia in the coming months.
Our members can learn more about PFAS management here.
