EU Strengthens Chemical Safety in Textiles
New PFHxA Restrictions Align with bluesign’s Broad PFAS Phase Out Program
The European Commission has recently published the highly anticipated restriction on the use of undecafluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), its salts, and related substances (Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2462). This new restriction comes by way of adding entry 79 to Annex XVII to the REACH regulation. The decision was made due to PFHxA’s environmental persistence, its high mobility in aquatic environment, and its potential adverse effects on both human health and the environment.
PFHxA is a subgroup of PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). PFHxA and its related compounds are widely utilized in several industries, notably in the production of textiles, paper, cardboard, and firefighting foams. In particular, these substances are used in the manufacture of water- and stain-resistant textiles, often found in outdoor clothing like rain jackets, and various accessories, such as handbags and footwear. The widespread and dispersive use of PFHxA in these products is of significant concern as it contributes to increasing environmental contamination and human exposure over time.
In light of this, the European Commission has deemed it necessary to implement a Union-wide restriction on the sale and use of PFHxA, its salts, and related substances in a range of consumer products. These include not only textiles like clothing, leather, and furs but also household items such as carpets, rugs, curtains, blinds, upholstery and food contact materials like paper and cardboard. The restriction extends to items used in public spaces and offices, particularly those frequently visited by the general public. Additionally, certain firefighting foams and cosmetic products containing PFHxA-related substances will be affected by the new regulation.
Transition Period
PFHxA, its salts and related substances shall not be placed on the market in the following products from the dates indicated below:
• textiles, leather, furs and hides in clothing and related accessories for the general public
• footwear for the general public
• paper and cardboard used as food contact materials
• mixtures for the general public
• defined cosmetic products
• textiles, leather, furs and hides, other than in clothing and related accessories referred to in paragraph 1, for the general public
Restrictions on the use of firefighting foams take effect on 10 April 2026, with an extended deadline of 10 October 2029 for firefighting foams used in civil aviation.
Several uses are exempted from the stipulated restrictions, namely the following:
• personal protective equipment intended to protect users against risks within the scope of risk category III, points (a), (c) to (f), (h), and (l) of Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2016/425
• devices within the scope of Regulation (EU) 2017/745 and 2017/746
• construction textiles
For more information, please refer to legal document.
bluesign’s Commitment to PFAS Phase-Out
In anticipation of raising environmental and human health concern towards PFAS substances bluesign has launched a broad phase out program in 2022 (see details here). The bluesign PFAS phase out goes beyond the scope of the PFHxA its salts and related substances by essentially covering all substances classified as PFAS. By January 1, 2025, all articles and consumer products labeled as bluesign® APPROVED and bluesign® PRODUCT must be manufactured without the intentional use of PFAS. Use our bluesign® GUIDE to get access to certified articles and consumer products that were produced without the use of PFAS and other harmful substances.
