When long-chain PFAS —PFOA, PFOS— were restricted, part of the industry switched to shorter-chain alternatives. One of the most common was the chemistry associated with PFHxA. From October 10, 2026, the EU starts closing the door on that one too.
We are talking about Regulation (EU) 2024/2462 of September 19, 2024, which adds entry 79 to Annex XVII of REACH. It restricts undecafluorohexanoic acid —PFHxA, CAS 307-24-4, EC No. 206-196-6—, its salts and PFHxA-related substances. It was published in the OJEU on September 20, 2024 and has been in force since October 10, 2024. But, as is almost always the case in this section, published does not mean applicable: the use restrictions come in phases.
April 10, 2026: firefighting foams for training and testing. October 10, 2026: cosmetic products; mixtures for the general public; paper and cardboard in contact with food; consumer textiles, leather, fur and footwear. October 10, 2027: other textiles and leather. October 10, 2029: civil aviation foams.
The limits set by the regulation: less than 25 ppb (0.025 mg/kg) for the sum of PFHxA and its salts, and less than 1000 ppb (1 mg/kg) for the sum of related substances, measured in homogeneous material. There are derogations for specific uses —semiconductors, hydrogen batteries and fuel cells, certain PPE and technical construction textiles.
For those who formulate or buy, the useful work starts now: reviewing fluorinated surfactants, water- and grease-repellent agents, antifoams and certain coatings, and asking the supplier for a declaration of compliance with entry 79 — not just the technical data sheet.
For information purposes, not legal advice: for a specific product and market, the review is a matter for your regulatory or quality department.
Because knowledge is part of the supply, too.
Frequently asked questions
What does Regulation (EU) 2024/2462 on PFHxA restrict?
We are talking about Regulation (EU) 2024/2462 of September 19, 2024, which adds entry 79 to Annex XVII of REACH. It restricts undecafluorohexanoic acid —PFHxA, CAS 307-24-4, EC No. 206-196-6—, its salts and PFHxA-related substances. It was published in the OJEU on September 20, 2024 and has been in force since October 10, 2024. But, as is almost always the case in this section, published does not mean applicable: the use restrictions come in phases.
When does the PFHxA restriction apply?
April 10, 2026: firefighting foams for training and testing. October 10, 2026: cosmetic products; mixtures for the general public; paper and cardboard in contact with food; consumer textiles, leather, fur and footwear. October 10, 2027: other textiles and leather. October 10, 2029: civil aviation foams.
What limits does the regulation set for PFHxA?
The limits set by the regulation: less than 25 ppb (0.025 mg/kg) for the sum of PFHxA and its salts, and less than 1000 ppb (1 mg/kg) for the sum of related substances, measured in homogeneous material. There are derogations for specific uses —semiconductors, hydrogen batteries and fuel cells, certain PPE and technical construction textiles.
What should be reviewed when formulating or buying products that may contain PFHxA?
For those who formulate or buy, the useful work starts now: reviewing fluorinated surfactants, water- and grease-repellent agents, antifoams and certain coatings, and asking the supplier for a declaration of compliance with entry 79 — not just the technical data sheet.
Sources
- Reglamento (UE) 2024/2462 de la Comisión, de 19/09/2024 (REACH, anexo XVII, entrada 79)
- UL Solutions — «PFHxA and Related Substances: Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2462»
- TÜV Rheinland — «Regulation (EU) 2024/2462 — Restriction on PFHxA (REACH Annex XVII entry 79)»
- Bureau Veritas CPS — «EU REACH: Restriction of PFHxA»
- ECHA — Hot topics: PFHxA
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