CONSUMER PRODUCTS AND RETAIL E-SSENTIALS

EU: PFHxS is banned under POPs regulation

AUGUST 2023 - ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS, HARDLINES, SOFTLINES, TOYS AND CHILDREN'S PRODUCTS

The European Commission published the ban of perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS)¹, its salts and PFHxS-related compounds under POPs (persistent organic pollutants) Regulation. This Regulation shall enter into force on 28 August 2023.

PFHxS was identified as POPs chemicals in Annex A to the Stockholm Convention in June 2022. As European Union (EU) is a member of the Convention, it is obliged to adopt such updates. Hence, the EU lists PFHxS as a new entry under POPs Regulation Annex I.

PFHxS belongs to the family of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) which may be used in various applications including water, oil-repellent treatment, carpets, clothing, firefighting foam, etc. In addition to PFHxS, PFOA, PFOS and C9-C14 PFCAs are currently banned or restricted in the EU market. Table A lists the PFHxS ban under Annex I of POPs Regulation. 

Abbreviation:
PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid, its salts and PFOA-related compounds) 
PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and its derivatives)
C9-C14 PFCAs (C9-C14 perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), their salts and related substances)

Table A: PFHxS ban under POPs Regulation Annex I

[1] Regulation No 2023/1608

HOW DOES THIS IMPACT YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS?
CONTACT US TO DISCUSS.

TÜV SÜD has dedicated experts to assist you in the development of consumer products and meeting applicable regulations. Through a global network of laboratories, TÜV SÜD offers a wide range of services that includes chemical tests, physical or mechanical tests as well as inspections to ensure the compliance of your products in target markets. 

For enquiries, please contact us at [email protected]