FIS Commits To Fluor-Free Competitions With Full Waxing Ban From 2023-24 Season

by Leandro Lutz • 22.03.2023
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. 

Read More: What do the wax technicians think about the fluorinated wax ban debate?

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”

Show sharing buttons

Subscribe to our newsletter

Most read

More Articles

  • DRIV XVI

    Team Kaffebryggeriet DRIV – Pro Team presentation Season XVI

    These coffee athletes from Norway and the Czech Republic have been around Ski Classics for some time now and are merging with Team DRIV for the upcoming season. After securing the 10th position in the Pro Team ranking during Season XV, Team Kaffebryggeriet DRIV looks forward to the forthcoming winter and stepping up on the podium. 
    by Leandro Lutz
    30.10.2024
  • Anastasiya Kuzmina – Return at 40

    by Adéla Ročárková/Leandro Lutz
    30.10.2024
  • Fears season start might be lost

    by Katerina Paul/Ingeborg Scheve
    30.10.2024
  • 2 in 1: The merger of two Czech Pro Teams – Part 2

    by Adéla Ročárková/Leandro Lutz translation
    29.10.2024
  • Biathlon star develops roller skis with brakes

    by Katerina Paul/ KJELL-ERIK KRISTIANSEN
    29.10.2024