European Commission adopts EU-wide restriction on PFAS subgroup

Brussels – The European Commission (EC) has adopted new measures under the REACH Regulation to restrict the use of undecafluorohexanoic acid (‘PFHxA') and PFHxA related substances.

The 19 Sept decision will ban the sale and use of PFHxA in consumer textiles, such as rain jackets; food packaging, like pizza boxes; consumer mixtures such as waterproofing sprays; cosmetics like skin care products; and in some firefighting foam applications.

The ban will not affect other applications of PFHxA, for example in semiconductors, batteries or fuel cells for green hydrogen, the Commission announced.

According to the EC, the sub-groups of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are “very persistent and mobile in water, and their use in certain products poses an unacceptable risk to human health and the environment.”

The restriction was introduced based on the assessment of European Chemicals Agency committees and will formally enter into force 20 days after publication in the 'official journal'.

The measure will take effect after transitional periods of between 18 months and 5 years, depending on the use, allowing time for replacement by safer alternatives.