China Enforces Landmark PFAS Standards in Chemical Parks
On 1 July 2025, China implemented its first discharge standards for Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA) and Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid (PFOS) in chemical industrial parks—marking a significant advance in its regulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
Issued under DB51/3202—2024 by Sichuan Province, the new rule reflects China's increasing commitment to addressing PFAS contamination in line with global environmental protection goals.
What’s Being Regulated? PFOA and PFOS
PFOA and PFOS are part of the broader PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) family—chemicals valued for durability and resistance, but known for toxicological risks and extreme persistence in ecosystems.
Both are listed under the Stockholm Convention, and only a handful of countries have adopted direct PFAS control measures in wastewater—placing China at the forefront with this regulation.
New PFAS Discharge Limits Explained
The discharge standards set separate thresholds for enterprises and centralized wastewater treatment plants in chemical parks:
• PFOA Limits:
o Enterprises: ≤ 0.05 mg/L o Centralized treatment: ≤ 0.015 mg/L
• PFOS Limits:
o Discharges: “Not Detected”
o If PFOS is in intake water: discharge must not exceed 2x intake level
These strict controls are designed to prevent environmental release at the source, particularly in high-density industrial zones.
Where and When the Rules Apply
The regulation is enforceable in key zones of Sichuan Province, including:
• Minjiang and Tuojiang River Basins
• Cities covered: Chengdu, Leshan, Meishan, Yibin
Compliance timeline:
• New enterprises: Immediate compliance required
• Existing enterprises: 2-year transition (until mid-2027)
Environmental and Industry Impacts
The new PFAS standards are expected to:
• Reduce salt discharges by over 159,000 tons annually
• Improve water quality in the Yangtze River Economic Belt
• Advance China’s alignment with international chemical safety conventions
• Support green innovation in the chemical industry
What Chemical Companies Must Do Now?
Firms operating in China—especially within chemical parks—should take immediate action to:
• Audit current PFAS usage and emissions
• Adapt wastewater treatment processes
• Strengthen PFAS monitoring systems
• Plan for long-term PFAS substitution strategies
A National Model for Future PFAS Regulation
This first-of-its-kind standard in Sichuan may become a template for broader PFAS regulation across China. More provinces are expected to follow suit as China tightens its grip on industrial pollution and emerging contaminants.
Stakeholders are encouraged to stay ahead of compliance trends and engage in technical upgrades now, before similar mandates expand nationally.
Reference: DB51/3202—2024 PFAS Discharge Standard – Sichuan Province
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