European Commission Bans PFHxA in Food Packaging and Other Categories

On 19 September 2024, the European Commission (EC) adopted a measure under the REACH Regulation restricting the placing on the EU market and use of undecafluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), its salts and PFHxA related substances in food packaging and several other categories, such as cosmetics, consumer textiles, and some firefighting foam applications. The PFHxA restriction will enter into force on October 10, 2024. The ban will take place after transitional periods which vary between 18 months and 5 years, depending on the use. This will allow time for replacement of PFHxA by safer alternatives, according to the EC.