Having highlighted the most important points of the new PFHxA regulation in the section above, we would now like to provide you with detailed information on the areas of the regulation that do not concern firefighting foams.

1. background to the regulation

Regulation (EU) 2024/2462 was adopted to reduce the risks posed by undecafluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), its salts and related substances. These substances are found in many products and industries and pose a significant risk due to their high persistence and mobility in the environment. They are frequently used in textiles, leather and food packaging in particular.

2 Affected applications and materials

In addition to the restrictions for fire-fighting foams, the regulation defines strict limits for PFHxA and related substances in the following products:

-Textiles and leatherIn particular, clothing, shoes, furs, skins and related accessories are affected. From October 2026, these substances may no longer be placed on the market in a concentration of more than 25 ppb (PFHxA and its salts) or 1000 ppb (PFHxA-related substances).

-Paper and cardboardMaterials that come into contact with food, such as packaging and cardboard packaging, must also comply with the new limit values.

-Cosmetic productsProducts covered by Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 may no longer contain higher concentrations of PFHxA and related substances.

3. exceptions and transitional periods

The regulation provides for exemptions for certain products and applications for which no alternatives are currently available. Examples of this are

-Personal protective equipment (PPE)PPE that falls into risk category III according to Regulation (EU) 2016/425 is subject to specific exemptions. This equipment must fulfil special requirements for the protection of users and is therefore exempt from the limit values.

-Medical productsProducts covered by Regulations (EU) 2017/745 (medical devices) and (EU) 2017/746 (in vitro diagnostic medical devices) are also excluded, as safety and functionality take priority here.

There is a transition period for most of the affected products, which gives companies time to adapt their production and procurement:

-Clothing and accessoriesTextiles, leather and shoes are subject to a transitional period until October 2027.

-Other textilesFor textiles that are not used for clothing or accessories, such as carpets, curtains and upholstery materials, a transition period applies until October 2027 or 2029, depending on the specific application.

4. impact on the affected industries

This regulation will have a significant impact on various industries, particularly the textile, leather and packaging industries. Companies that use PFHxA or related substances will have to adapt to new requirements. This means not only switching production to alternative substances, but also a possible reassessment of supply chains and procurement processes.

The availability of alternatives will play a key role, especially in the textile industry, where water and dirt repellent properties have often been achieved with PFHxA. Companies must be prepared to develop and test alternatives in order to remain competitive.