The UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) published its agency opinion recommending a UK REACH restriction on PFAS in firefighting foams, launching a 60-day public consultation on socioeconomic factors covering three restriction options with sector-specific transition periods.
What Happened
On July 21, 2026, HSE concluded that PFAS in firefighting foams poses risks to the environment and human health via environmental pathways, that existing measures are insufficient, and recommended a UK REACH restriction. HSE favors Option RO2a — a ban on placing on the market/use of PFAS foams ≥1 mg/L combined with mandatory collection and high-temperature incineration of unused stockpiles — projected to cut 30-year emissions by 91% at an estimated cost of £696 million.
What’s New
- Option RO1: ban + transition, 35% emission cut, £613m.
- Option RO2a (HSE preferred): + mandatory stockpile incineration, 91% cut, £696m.
- Option RO2b: + waste/wastewater extension, 94% cut, £704m.
- Sector transition periods: portable extinguishers (6 months market/5 years use); fire & rescue (18 months, extendable to 10 years for COMAH); civil aviation & defence (5 years); petrochemical/COMAH & offshore (10 years); civilian/military vessels (10 years).
Key Dates & Compliance Deadlines
HSE published agency opinion and opened 60-day consultation.
60-day public consultation deadline for socioeconomic evidence.
REACH Committee review and final restriction adoption to follow.
Affected Industries
Fire and rescue services; civil aviation; defence (land-based); petrochemical/chemical COMAH facilities; offshore oil and gas; civilian and military maritime vessels; firefighting foam manufacturers/suppliers.
Who Is Affected
Manufacturers, suppliers, and end-users of PFAS-containing firefighting foams across all listed sectors in Great Britain.
Substances / Products in Scope
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams, at or above 1 mg/L threshold under the proposed restriction.
Prohibitions, Restrictions & Exemptions
Proposed (not yet final): ban on placing on the market and use of PFAS-containing firefighting foams ≥1 mg/L, with sector-specific transition periods ranging from 6 months to 10 years; HSE’s preferred option adds mandatory high-temperature incineration of unused stockpiles.
What Companies Should Do
- Submit evidence during the consultation (closing September 7, 2026), particularly on transition costs and alternative-foam availability.
- Assess sector-specific transition period applicability and stockpile disposal logistics.
- Begin evaluating PFAS-free foam alternatives and high-temperature incineration disposal capacity.
This is a significant proposed restriction for fire safety, defence, aviation, and industrial/offshore sectors; while not yet final, HSE’s clear preference for RO2a and the defined sector transition windows give affected industries a concrete basis to begin transition planning now.
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