Regulatory Update on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
The European Union (EU) has made an important regulatory update regarding Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), governed by Regulation (EU) 2019/1021. This recent change is in response to an amendment related to the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.
New Entry to Regulation
Part A of Annex I of Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 has been expanded to include a new entry:
- Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), its salts, and PFHxS-related compounds
- CAS No. 355-46-4 and others
- EC No. 206-587-1 and others
Exemptions Introduced
The regulation introduces specific exemptions concerning concentrations of these substances in various applications:
- Concentrations of PFHxS or its salts equal to or below 0.025 mg/kg (0.0000025 % by weight) are permitted in substances, mixtures, or articles. This exemption aligns with Article 4(1), point (b).
- For PFHxS-related compounds, the sum of concentrations is allowed to be equal to or below 1 mg/kg (0.0001 % by weight) in substances, mixtures, or articles, following Article 4(1), point (b).
- In concentrated firefighting foam mixtures intended for use or produced from other firefighting foam mixtures, concentrations of PFHxS, its salts, and PFHxS-related compounds equal to or below 0.1 mg/kg (0.00001 % by weight) are permitted. This exemption will be reviewed and assessed by the Commission no later than August 28th, 2026.
These amendments reflect the EU's commitment to align with international agreements aimed at regulating and restricting the use of Persistent Organic Pollutants, part of ongoing efforts to protect the environment and human health from harmful chemical substances.