PFHxA to be restricted in the EU following vote of Member States

At a meeting of the European Commission’s REACH Committee on 29 February 2024, EU Member States voted in favour of a Commission Regulation restricting perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), its salts and related substances. The proposal, originally submitted by the German authorities in 2020 and endorsed by ECHA's Scientific Committees in late 2021, will now undergo a three-month review by the European Parliament and the Council before possible adoption by the Commission.

Perfluorohexanoic acid

PFHxA, its salts and related substances are a subgroup of PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated substances). They are used in large quantities in sectors such as clothing, textiles and paper and cardboard food packaging, to provide water, oil and stain repellency. Concerns about PFHxA and other PFAS stem from the resistance of these compounds to hydrolysis, photolysis, and biodegradation, which leads to their persistence in the environment.

Amendment to Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation

The Regulation prohibits the placing on the market or use of PFHxA and its salts and PFHxA-related substances, in various products. The amendments will be added to Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation. The concentration limits are set at 25 parts per billion (ppb) for PFHxA and its salts, and 1000 ppb for PFHxA-related substances, measured in homogeneous material. The restrictions will enter into force 24 months after the entry into force of the Regulation and will apply to

• Textiles, leather, furs and hides in clothing and related accessories for the general public.

• Footwear for the general public. 

• Paper and cardboard used as food contact materials (FCMs) within the scope of Regulation (EC) No 1935/2004.

• Mixtures for the general public.

• Cosmetic products as defined in Article 2(1), point (a), of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.

In addition, for non-clothing textiles, leather, fur and hides (other than in clothing and related accessories for the general public), the restrictions will apply 36 months after the entry into force of the Regulation.