Concentration limits
Products must not be placed on the EU market where concentrations in any homogeneous material reach or exceed:
PFHxA and its salts: 25 ppb in total.
PFHxA-related substances: 1,000 ppb in total.
The restriction extends beyond PFHxA itself to substances that can degrade or transform into PFHxA.
Exemptions and transition
Exemptions include specified Category III personal protective equipment, medical devices, in vitro diagnostic medical devices and textiles used as construction textiles. Products already placed on the market before 10 October 2026 are also outside the restriction.
A separate restriction for other consumer textiles, leather, fur and hide products, including carpets, upholstery and bed linen, applies from 10 October 2027.
What should businesses do?
Businesses placing products on the EU market should review material specifications and supplier information, particularly for products using PFAS-based finishes. Supplier declarations and, where appropriate, analytical testing can help demonstrate compliance.
This restriction applies under EU REACH and should not be assumed to apply automatically in Great Britain under UK REACH.
UKFT Members can request access to the UKFT guides and resources on chemical compliance by emailing compliance@ukft.org
