SIA Stresses the Need for Exemptions to Potential PFAS Trade Restrictions

Governments globally should “proceed carefully” when considering new trade restrictions on per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to avoid “unduly” restricting current semiconductor innovation, the Semiconductor Industry Association said last week. The group said PFAS “are used in a wide range of industrial processes and consumer products,” and although some may present “environmental and health concerns,” governments should avoid controlling uses of the substances that may not present health and environmental risks.

“At minimum, broad restrictions on PFAS as a class should provide critical use exemptions for the uses of fluorinated chemicals in the semiconductor industry outlined in the papers and provide sufficient time for the industry and its suppliers to identify and qualify potential substitutes,” SIA said. The chip association and other trade groups urged the EPA earlier this year to include certain exceptions to proposed PFAS trade restrictions (see 2304100030).