On July 14, 2025, the European Commission (EC) published "Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1399 of 5 May 2025 amending Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts and PFOA-related compounds". This regulation will be effective from August 03, 2025.
This ammended regulation states that 'perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and its derivatives (PFOS)' has been replaced by 'Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts and PFOA-related compounds' to the Part A of Annex I to Regulation (EU) 2019/1021.
The Persistent Organic Polluntant (POP) chemicals listed on Part A of Annexure I are prohibited for production, use, import and export, below listed are amendments on the specific exemption on intermediate use:
1. Deletion of Certain Provisions:
The second sentence in point 3 and point 10 is deleted, simplifying the regulatory language.
2.New Provisions for Existing Foam Use (Points 4a & 4b):
4a: Allows PFOA concentrations up to 1 mg/kg and PFOA-related compounds up to 10 mg/kg in foams already installed for Class B fires, valid until 3 August 2028.
4b: Permits similar concentration limits in fluorine-free fire-fighting foams, if the substances originate from equipment cleaned using best available techniques.
3. Extended Deadline:
The compliance deadline in point 6 is moved from 4 July 2025 to 3 December 2025.
4. Definition Clarification:
Firefighting foam is now clearly defined to include both foam concentrates and foam solutions.
5. Continued Use of Existing Articles (Point 11):
Articles containing PFOA that were already in use in the EU before or on the expiry date of exemptions under points 5(a)(d) may continue to be used.
These amendments aim to balance environmental protection with the practical needs of emergency services, while allowing time for transition to safer alternatives.