SGS SafeGuardS Covers New Zealand’s Consultation Over Proposed Regulations on PFHxS and PFHxS-related Compounds

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / AGILITYPR.NEWS / March 21, 2023 / SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published a SafeGuardS covering a proposal issued by the New Zealand Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to restrict perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), its salts and PFHxS-related compounds as a new persistent organic pollutant (POP).

The Stockholm Convention added these substances to Annex A (elimination) without exemptions in June 2022. The New Zealand consultation was then announced in February 2023, with comments being accepted until April 5, 2023.

If the proposal is accepted, PFHxS, its salts and PFHxS-related compounds will be added to Schedule 2A of the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (HSNO Act) by mid-November 2023.

Stakeholders should be aware, PFHxS, its salts and PFHxS-related compounds are a sub-category of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). They have been used in a wide variety of consumer goods, including:

• Firefighting foams
• Metal plating
• Water, grease and dirt protective coatings in textiles, leather, upholstery, paper and packaging materials
• Polishing and cleaning/washing agents
• Coatings and impregnation/proofing, such as those for protection from damp and fungus
• Manufacture of electronics and semiconductors

PFHxS has also been used as a substitute for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in some applications.

SGS Chemical Testing

SGS offers a comprehensive range of testing services to help manufacturers and suppliers ensure their products are safe and comply with national and international regulations concerning harmful chemicals. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS Chemical Testing Services.

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full New Zealand Consults Over Proposal to Regulate PFHxS and PFHxS-related Compounds SafeGuardS.

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For further information contact:

Dr. HingWo Tsang

Global Information and Innovation Manager

Tel: (+852) 2774 7420

Email: cp.media@sgs.com

Website: www.sgs.com/cp 

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