Geneva (October 30, 2025) – SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 152.25 to inform stakeholders that the European Union (EU) has adopted Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/1988, introducing new restrictions on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams (FFFs) under Entry 82 to Annex XVII of REACH – the Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (EC No. 1907/2006).
Published on October 3, 2025, the regulation sets a maximum concentration limit of less than 1 mg/L for the sum of all PFAS in firefighting foams. It also establishes a series of specific exemptions and transitional measures designed to support the EU’s ongoing efforts to phase out persistent chemicals and reduce their environmental impact.
The restriction will apply to the placing on the market and use of FFFs from October 23, 2030. Several derogations have been introduced to accommodate existing equipment and supply chains. For example, portable fire extinguishers containing PFAS concentrations at or above the 1 mg/L threshold may continue to be placed on the market until October 23, 2026, while alcohol-resistant foams in portable extinguishers are permitted until April 23, 2027.
Certain substances already regulated under the POP Recast Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 or Annex XVII of REACH, including PFOS, PFOA, PFHxS, C9–C14 PFCAs and PFHxA-related compounds, are excluded from this restriction as they are subject to separate controls but they must be included in the determination for the sum of all PFAS.
This measure reflects the EU’s broader strategy to minimize the use of PFAS, often referred to as ‘forever chemicals’, by targeting one of their most common industrial applications. The regulation provides clarity for manufacturers, importers and users of firefighting foams while establishing a clear timeline for transition to PFAS-free alternatives.
SGS publishes SafeGuardS to help stakeholders stay informed of regulatory developments that impact product compliance and market access. SafeGuardS 152.25 provides detailed insights into the EU’s PFAS restrictions under REACH and their implications for manufacturers, importers and users of firefighting foams.
Stakeholders are encouraged to review SafeGuardS 152.25 for comprehensive guidance on navigating these regulatory updates.
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SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full EU Regulates PFAS in Firefighting Foams under REACH SafeGuardS.
