New REACH measures restrict PFAS subclass PFHxA

The European Commission has announced that it will restrict the use of “subclasses” of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), so-called “persistent pollutants”. European authorities say they want to “protect human health and the environment” from these persistent chemicals that are present in many everyday products.

The new measures under REACH restrict the sale and use of undecafluorohexanoic acid (“PFHxA”) and its related substances in certain consumer products, such as textiles, food packaging (e.g. pizza boxes), consumer mixtures (e.g. waterproofing sprays), and cosmetics.

The restrictions will come into force after a transition period of 18 months to 5 years, depending on the use, to allow time for replacement with safer alternatives.

The EU’s PFHxA restrictions focus on “uses where risks are not adequately controlled, alternatives are available” and “socio-economic costs will be limited” compared to the human health and environmental benefits.

The new ban will not affect other applications of PFHxA, such as in semiconductors, batteries or fuel cells for green hydrogen.

“We are removing hazardous substances from products that citizens use every day, such as textiles, cosmetics and food packaging. The restriction of PFAS is a decisive step in our strategy to promote sustainability, competitiveness and innovation in the chemicals industry. Restricting ‘forever chemicals’ helps keep the environment healthy, protects resources, and drives innovation for cleaner alternatives. The direction is clear and companies will have ample transition period to adapt,” commented Maroš Šefčovič, Executive Vice-President for the European Green Deal, Inter-Institutional Relations and Foresight.