Urgent: EU Revises PFOA Limits Under POPs Regulation

On July 14, 2025, the European Union (EU) published Regulation (EU) 2025/1399, amending the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation concerning perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts, and related compounds. The new amendments, which will take effect on August 3, 2025, introduce significant changes to exemptions, concentration limits, and compliance deadlines.

Key Updates in the Revised Regulation

1. Removal of Review Clauses

Point 3: The second sentence, "The European Commission shall review and assess this exemption by August 25, 2023," has been deleted.

Point 10: The second sentence, "The European Commission shall review and assess this exemption by February 22, 2023," has been removed.

2. New Concentration Limits for Firefighting Foams

Point 4a (New): Starting August 3, 2028, firefighting foams used for liquid fuel vapor suppression and Class B liquid fuel fires must comply with:

≤1 mg/kg for PFOA and its salts (UTC limit).

≤10 mg/kg for PFOA-related compounds (single or total limit).

Point 4b (New): Non-fluorinated firefighting foams generated in firefighting equipment cleaned using Best Available Techniques (BAT) must have a ≤10 mg/kg limit for PFOA, its salts, and related compounds.

3. Extended Deadline for Installed Firefighting Foams

Point 6 (Revised): The use of existing PFOA-containing firefighting foams (FFF) in installed systems (for liquid fuel vapor suppression and Class B fires) is now permitted until December 3, 2025 (previously July 4, 2025).

4. New Exemptions for Continued Use of PFOA

Point 11 (New): Even after exemption periods expire, PFOA, its salts, and related compounds may continue to be used in the following applications:

Semiconductors – Photolithography or etching processes；

Photographic coatings for films；

Oil- and water-repellent textiles for worker protection against hazardous liquids；

Invasive and implantable medical devices.

Common Uses of PFOA

PFOA, a member of the PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) family, is known for its persistence, high toxicity, and bioaccumulative properties. Due to its water-, oil-, and stain-resistant properties, it has been widely used in inks, cleaning agents, textiles, and leather products, firefighting foams, foam suppressants, and protective materials for electronics.

Compliance Recommendations

In recent years, POPs regulations have been frequently updated, with stricter enforcement leading to numerous RAPEX notifications for non-compliant products. HUAK Testing reminds relevant enterprises that POPs compliance is mandatory for products entering the EU market. Companies must:

Strengthen supply chain controls, particularly in manufacturing processes;

Conduct multi-stage sampling and testing to ensure final product compliance.

HUAK Testing offers full-scope POPs testing services, including:

• Customized compliance solutions based on product risk assessments;

• Exceedance rectification guidance and regulatory support.

Ensure your products meet EU requirements—contact HUAK Testing for expert POPs compliance solutions!