On 5 May 2025, the European Commission formally adopted two amendments to Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2019/1021, the POPs Regulation, to further restrict the potential hazards of harmful chemicals to human health and the environment. The amendments mainly involve the control provisions for the ultraviolet absorber UV-328 and the specific exemption period for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts and related compounds in fire-fighting foams.
Control provisions for UV-328
The European Commission added the following entry to Part A of Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2019/1021:
|
Substance |
CAS No |
EC No |
Specific exemption on intermediate use or other specification |
|
2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-ditertpentylphenol (UV-328) |
25973-55-1
|
247-384-8
|
|
Core amendments to PFOA and its salts and related compounds
1. Specific fire-fighting foam exemption period adjustment:
- For existing fire-fighting foams containing PFOA-related compounds or their combinations: Residual PFOA-related compounds or their combinations in installed fire-fighting foam systems for suppressing liquid fuel vapours (Class B fires) may not exceed 10 mg/kg (0.001% by weight). The exemption is extended for 3 years from the entry into force of the new rules (the specific end date will be determined after formal publication).
- For fluorine-free fire-fighting foam cleaning standards: If equipment cleaning using "Best Available Techniques" results in residual PFOA-related compounds or their combinations meeting the 10 mg/kg limit, their use in fluorine-free fire-fighting foams is exempted.
2. Extension of exemption period: The specific exemption period for PFOA and its salts and related compounds in fire-fighting foams is extended from 4 July 2025 to 3 December 2025.
3. Deletion of review clause: The review clause requiring a review of the UTC (Unintentional Trace Contamination) limits for PFOA, its salts and PFOA-related compounds has been deleted.
4. New industrial transition clause: Products containing PFOA and its salts and related compounds that were already on the EU market before the expiry of existing exemption clauses (Articles 5(a)-(d)) may continue to be used until the end of their service life.
The amendment will enter into force 20 days after its publication in the EU Official Journal. Relevant enterprises should promptly conduct supply chain reviews and take measures to mitigate compliance risks.
Further Information
