The PFHxA restriction adopted on September 19 focuses on uses where the risk is not adequately controlled, alternatives are available, and socio-economic costs will be limited in comparison to the human health and environmental benefits.

Affected applications

The restriction aims to protect human health and the environment and 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 like for training and testing, without compromising safety. It does not affect other applications of PFHxA, for example in semiconductors, batteries or fuel cells for green hydrogen.

This is an important step forward in reducing PFAS emissions, since PFHxA is often used as substitution for another already banned PFAS (perfluorooctanoic acid, or ‘PFOA‘). It is based on the scientific assessment of ECHA’s Committees and has successfully passed the scrutiny of the European Parliament and the Council.

What happens next

The PFHxA restriction will formally enter into force 20 days after publication in the Official Journal. It will take effect after transitional periods of between 18 months and five years, depending on the use, allowing time for replacement by safer alternatives.

PFAS require special attention

PFAS are called ‘forever chemicals‘ because they do not break down in the natural environment. Used in many industrial processes and in many consumer products, PFAS require special attention, considering the large number of cases of contamination of soil and water, including drinking water.

In the past 20 years, the EU has taken increasing action to tackle PFAS pollution. As indicated in the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability, the Commission is committed to take a comprehensive set of actions to address the use and contamination with PFAS under different environmental and human health specific legislations. When envisaging such actions, the Commission takes due account of the availability of alternatives for PFAS used in applications needed for the twin transition toward a green and digital economy, and of the EU’s strategic autonomy and the competitiveness of European industry.

Universal PFAS restriction

This specific restriction is another step taken by the Commission to address the risks posed by PFAS, under REACH. It is distinct from the potential restriction on the entire PFAS group (‘universal PFAS restriction‘), which the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) is assessing following a 2023 proposal by five European governments.