Maersk recently issued a notice that Australia will ban the use of major PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) chemicals starting July 1, 2025, in an effort to reduce the environmental and health risks associated with these persistent substances. The ban will be implemented under the IChEMS framework, which classifies these chemicals under Schedule 7 — the highest level of concern.

PFAS are synthetic chemicals designed to make products resistant to heat, stains, oil, and water. The ban specifically targets the following substances:

Banned Chemicals:

• Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
• Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS)
• Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS)
• These include their salts, isomers, and any substances that degrade into them.

Prohibited Activities:

• Import or export of products containing these substances
• Manufacture or processing of these substances within Australia
• Use of these substances in commercial products or applications

Exemptions Include:

• Trace contamination below set thresholds
• Scientific research or analytical testing
• Continued use in products deployed before the ban date
• Imports under hazardous waste regulations

Due to their environmental persistence, bioaccumulation, and potential toxicity, PFAS chemicals have become pollutants of global concern, posing serious threats to ecosystems and human health.