The EU-wide restriction of certain perfluorocarboxylic acids (C9-C14 PFCAs) – a subgroup of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) – starts applying from 25 February onwards.

The restriction will reduce or prevent exposure of people and the environment to PFCAs and avoid the regrettable substitution of PFOA, which has been globally banned since July 2020. It is in line with the EU’s aspirations to phase out all non-essential uses of PFAS under the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability.

PCFAs have also been proposed to be listed as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) under the Stockholm Convention.