EU Bans PFAS in Firefighting

Regulation (EU) 2025/1988 was published in the Official Journal on 3 October 2025, based on an amendment to Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation (EC No 1907/2006).

Objectives of the Regulation

The European Commission aims to:

i. Eliminate non-essential uses of PFAS
ii. Prevent 470 tonnes of PFAS emissions annually
iii. Protect firefighters and communities from exposure
iv. Promote safer, PFAS-free alternatives

This regulation is part of the EU’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and responds to calls from the Council and Parliament for urgent action.

Scope of the Restriction

a. Applies to all PFAS substances used in firefighting foams, including concentrates and solutions.
b. Covers formulation, market placement, and use of PFAS-containing foams.
c. Sets a maximum concentration limit of 1 mg/L for PFAS in foam mixtures.

Transition Periods by Sector

To ensure a smooth transition, the regulation provides sector-specific grace periods:

i. 6 months: Portable fire extinguishers
ii. 18 months: Municipal fire services, training, and testing
iii. 3–5 years: Marine, civil aviation, and defense sectors
iv. Up to 10 years: High-risk industrial sites under the Seveso Directive

Operators must also:

a. Prepare PFAS management plans
b. Use the best available techniques for cleaning systems before switching to PFAS-free foams

Socio-Economic Impact

a. The regulation is expected to cost approximately - €7 billion over 30 years
b. This will deliver a significant environmental benefit by preventing an estimated 13,200 tonnes of PFAS emissions
c. It is anticipated to drive innovation in the development and adoption of safer firefighting technologies.

Scientific and Legal Backing

The restriction is based on:

i. Scientific assessments by ECHA’s Risk Assessment and Socio-Economic Analysis Committees
ii. Legal scrutiny by the European Parliament and Council
iii. Alignment with OECD definitions and international standards

Implementation Timeline

a. Regulation enters into force 20 days after publication
b. Transition periods vary by sector, allowing time for safe and effective substitution

A Step Toward a Toxic-Free Future

This regulation marks a major milestone in the EU’s commitment to a toxic-free environment, ensuring that firefighting practices no longer contribute to long-term chemical pollution.

Reference: Regulation - EU - 2025/1988 - EN - EUR-Lex