IOF bans fluorinated waxing products

The IOF Council at its last meeting decided to implement a ban on the use of certain fluorinated ski waxing products at IOF ski orienteering events starting with the 2021/2022 season.

The IOF has followed closely how a ban of fluorinated products has been discussed and implemented among other winter sports federations, primarily the International Skiing Federation (FIS) and the International Biathlon Union (IBU) in determining what the IOF approach should be. The ultimate goal is a total ban of fluorinated waxing products and the implementation of rules for the 2021/2022 season is the first step towards this.

There are two current European Union regulations, (EC) No. 1907/2006 (“REACH”) and (EU) 2019/1021 (“POP regulation”), which state that it is forbidden to produce, sell and use products (ski-waxes) containing PFOA (also termed C8 products). In line with similar decisions by FIS and the IBU, the IOF has decided to declare that the use of PFOA/C8 products is forbidden at IOF events, including World Ranking Events. This means that all PFOA/C8 products are banned while so-called C6 products are still allowed for the season 2021/2022. The IOF also encourages our member federations to put in place similar bans for national ski orienteering events.

Due to the fact that immediate and cost-effective testing methods, which are under development, are not yet in place, the IOF will be requiring athletes and teams participating at IOF events to make a declaration of conformity to the new regulations. The IOF will have the right to inspect waxing products used, and to conduct laboratory testing if necessary. The ban comes into effect as of November 1, 2021.

Link to the Declaration of Conformity