The International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) has announced in a press release that the fluor wax ban will be fully implemented at the start of the upcoming 2023/2024 winter season. The decision has been made due to potential health risks and environmental concerns connected to fluorine waxes.

FIS has been working to ban fluor products used in ski preparation for some time, with a joint working group in collaboration with the International Biathlon Union (IBU) and leading scientific instruments manufacturer Bruker to ensure effective and accurate testing. 

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Extensive device testing was carried out last winter, and officials were trained to do the testing, ensuring that the device will provide reliable results to ensure fluor-free competition. FIS will carry out testing at top-tier events, including the FIS World Ski Championships, the FIS World Cup competition, and other major events such as FIS Junior World Ski Championships. Testing at lower-level events will be carried out randomly to ensure that those events are also regulated.

“We are pleased that we can now fully implement the fluor wax ban across our major competitions,” said FIS Vice President Roman Kumpost, who worked closely with the project. “This is a key step in guaranteeing the integrity of competitions and minimizing the impact of the adverse health and environmental effects of the product.”

“FIS will continue to work closely with all stakeholders throughout the summer to ensure everyone is fully prepared when the ban takes full effect at the start of the 2023-24 winter season,” concludes the press release. 

This ban is a significant move towards promoting sustainability and environmental protection in snow sports, and FIS hopes it will encourage others in the industry to take similar action.

Read More: This is how fluor-free and common waxing are tested at the World Cup in Tallinn

Also Read: Ski preparation without fluorocarbon: “Some embrace it, others fight it”