In June and July 2025, the European Commission updated Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) through several Delegated Regulations. From June 25, 2025, new UTC (undesirable trace pollution) limits were set for PFOS, their salts and related compounds: a maximum of 0.025 mg/kg PFOS in substances, mixtures and products and 1 mg/kg of related compounds in total. As a representative date, these changes will enter into force on December 3, 2025.
Additional regulations on PFOA, its salts and related compounds were then introduced by Delegated Regulation published on July 14, 2025. The limits for foams used in already installed liquid fuel fire extinguishing systems are as follows: PFOA or its salts up to 1 mg/kg; individual or total PFOA compounds up to 10 mg/kg. This flexibility allows until August 3, 2028 to replace systems. In addition, the total of these compounds is limited to a maximum of 10 mg/kg in non-fluorinated foams installed after system cleaning.
Finally, the substance UV-328 (2-(2H-benzotriazol-2-yl)-4,6-di-tert-pentylphenol) was added to the list of POPs by Delegated Regulation of 5 May 2025. UTC limits are being phased down: 100 mg/kg on 4 August 2025, 10 mg/kg on 4 August 2027, and finally to 1 mg/kg on 4 August 2029.
These regulations aim to gradually reduce the use of hazardous and persistent chemicals in the European Union, promote safety in industrial applications and minimize environmental pollution. The deadlines set for sectors to adapt aim to facilitate the transition process.
