A ban in Norway on perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) used in sports clothing is set to be enforced on June 1, 2014. Recently, about 50 representatives from sporting goods suppliers met with members of the Norwegian Environmental Agency in Oslo to discuss a potential delay for the new regulation. The meeting, hosted by Sportsbransjen, ended without any clarification on whether the ban on PFOA in sports clothing would be postponed or not. This was expected, as the agency has only an advisory power. However, the agency stated that it is open to recommending a solution that all parties can benefit from. Generally, there is no disagreement among suppliers that a ban should take place. The concern is that the June 1 deadline does not provide enough time for companies to consider their options. Many have already produced clothing and garments with PFOA, which will be out in stores sometime in 2014.  A new meeting to discuss the issue further has been set for Nov. 5.

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