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Consultation on the Regulation Impact Statement for a national phase out of PFOS

This consultation closed on 26 February 2018. Documents remain available for reference only.

In October 2017 the Department of the Environment and Energy released a Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) on options for a national phase out of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and related chemicals, including its salts and perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride (PFOSF).

The consultation RIS proposed a national approach to managing PFOS chemicals to minimise future emissions, in accordance with the globally accepted standards established by the Stockholm Convention. The consultation RIS presented four options: two options consistent with the requirements of the Convention, an option for light touch regulation, and the base case of no regulation. Together with other information these options are intended to inform the Government's decision on ratification of the PFOS amendment to the Stockholm Convention.

Related issues, such as existing contamination and decontamination, and the management of other per- and poly-fluorinated alkyl substances (PFASs) more broadly, are outside the scope of the RIS which necessarily reflects the requirements of the Stockholm Convention.

A key focus for this consultation is what additional data and information can be provided to refine and improve the assumptions in the RIS regarding ongoing uses of PFOS, stockpiles, destruction, and waste management capacity. This information is critical to enable informed decisions regarding effective and efficient management of PFOS-related chemicals.

The RIS was publicly released on the Department’s website on 23 October 2017. Consultation sessions, commencing on 9 November 2017, were held in all capital cities over a four week period finishing 29 November 2017. Additional presentations were delivered in Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney and by webinar. The formal consultation period closed on 26 February 2018.

Comments on the RIS were sought from all stakeholders including state, territory and local governments, industry, and the wider community. Stakeholders are welcome to contact the Department to discuss the RIS.

Read the Regulation Impact Statement

Regulation Impact Statement for consultation on a national phase out of PFOS – ratification of the Stockholm Convention amendment on PFOS (PDF - 1.22 MB) - updated 8 November 2017
Regulation Impact Statement for consultation on a national phase out of PFOS – ratification of the Stockholm Convention amendment on PFOS (DOCX - 2.64 MB) - updated 8 November 2017

Submissions to the consultation on the Regulation Impact Statement for a national phase out of PFOS

As at 1 August 2018, a total of 20 submissions were received from the public consultation. Below is a list of non-confidential submissions received in alphabetical order.

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Submissions disclaimer

The submissions published on this webpage are presented by the Department for the purpose of disseminating information to the public about the impact statement.

The views contained in published submissions are the responsibility of the authors and should not be taken to represent the views of the Australian Government. Publication does not in any way constitute endorsement of the views of the authors.

The Department does not verify the information contained in published submissions and makes no representation or warranty about the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of any material contained in submissions.

The Department disclaims liability, to the extent permitted by law, for any liability, loss, damage or cost arising from any information contained in published submissions.

While the Department values public consultation highly and seeks to be transparent, it is under no obligation to publish submissions it receives and reserves the right not to publish submissions on its website that raise legal or other concerns.

Submissions received

Further Information