Update on FIS Fluorinated Ski Wax Ban
Jun 02, 2021·Cross-Country
FIS has prohibited any products containing C8 fluorocarbons/PFOA at all FIS events from season 2021/2022 onwards, in line with the EU Regulation 2019/1021 (“POP-regulation”) and EC Regulation 1907/2006 („REACH“-regulation), which regulate the handling of fluorinated waxes.
Bearing in mind the health risk and environmental concerns connected to fluorine waxes, FIS remains committed to introducing a full fluor ban and to developing testing methods to ensure fluor-free competitions in the future.
The implementation of a Fluorine Tracker that will instantly detect the presence of fluorine wax on skis has been postponed until after the season 2021/2022. In the following season, the device will be further tested in the real implementation process during the competition season, without penalisation.
The implementation process was unfortunately not possible to test adequately during the last season due to the Covid-19 situation. Reports about the next steps in the development of the Fluorine Tracker and effect of the C8 ban will be prepared for the Council for autumn 2021.
FIS maintains its commitment to developing a reliable test method which guarantees the integrity of its competitions.
