News Details

On 3 February 2026, the UK government published its first dedicated PFAS plan, setting out a cross-government framework for managing the risks posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) throughout their lifecycle. Led by Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the plan does not introduce immediate regulatory measures but outlines how PFAS policy and controls may be developed over time.

Three-pillar framework for PFAS management

The PFAS Plan is structured around three pillars:

• Understanding and identifying sources of PFAS, including where they originate.
• Addressing the movement of PFAS through society and the environment by tackling PFAS pathways.
• Reducing and managing ongoing exposure to PFAS for people, animals and the environment.

The plan sets out a science-based and proportionate approach, with action focused on PFAS that are used in high volumes, are widely present in the environment, or are associated with credible exposure and hazard concerns. At the same time, the plan recognises that some PFAS are currently used in critical applications, including those related to medicine, the climate and safety.

UK REACH and international obligations

According to the plan, UK REACH will remain the primary regulatory mechanism for addressing PFAS. Planned and ongoing actions include further assessment of PFAS uses, potentially adding more PFAS to the UK Candidate List of substances of very high concern (SVHCs) and considering further restrictions over time.

The government also confirms that the UK will implement new PFAS listings adopted under the Stockholm Convention, including controls on long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids, in addition to existing measures for PFOS, PFOA and PFHxS.

Environmental monitoring and exposure reduction

The PFAS Plan also foresees the expansion of environmental monitoring of PFAS in media such as water, soil, air and wildlife. This will be accompanied by the development of emission thresholds and standards. PFAS are also expected to be increasingly addressed through industrial permitting, best available techniques, and potentially, pollutant release and transfer reporting.

In addition, the government plans to consult on a statutory PFAS limit for drinking water in England and expand testing in food, food contact materials and bottled water.

Addressing legacy contamination and alternatives

Legacy contamination is identified as a priority area, with new guidance planned for contaminated land, firefighting foam sites, sewage sludge and landfill management. The plan refers to innovation, industry-research collaboration and public procurement as tools to support the development of PFAS alternatives and PFAS-free markets.

The full text of the plan can be accessed here.