Requirements by topic
| Topic | Requirement | Effective | Status | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Firefighting foamBan | The GB derogation allowing use of PFOA-containing firefighting foam already installed in systems for Class B fires ran until 4 July 2025.Unlike the EU, GB did not extend this derogation to 3 December 2025 (per the current GB text). | July 4, 2025 | In force | Annex 1 Part A, PFOA entry, point 6 |
| Other named productsBan | Manufacture, placing on the market and use of PFHxS, its salts and PFHxS-related compounds are prohibited in Great Britain, subject to trace limits.Trace limits: 0.025 mg/kg PFHxS and salts; 1 mg/kg related compounds; a separate limit for concentrated firefighting foam mixtures. Added by the Persistent Organic Pollutants (Amendment) (No. 2) Regulations 2023. | November 16, 2023 | In force | Annex 1 Part A, PFHxS entry |
| Other named productsOther duty | S.I. 2025/296 amended the PFOA entry: PTFE micropowder exemption tied to treatment below 0.025 mg/kg, and perfluorooctyl bromide for pharmaceuticals allowed until 31 December 2026.The same S.I. added Dechlorane Plus and methoxychlor (not PFAS). | April 1, 2025 | Applies | S.I. 2025/296, reg. 3 |
The instruments
United Kingdom
GB POPs Regulation entries for PFOS, PFOA and PFHxS
- Citation
- Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 on persistent organic pollutants as assimilated law in Great Britain, Annex 1 Part A, as amended by S.I. 2023/1217 and S.I. 2025/296
- Enacted by
- EUR 2019/1021; S.I. 2023/1217; S.I. 2025/296
- Enacted or adopted
- June 20, 2019
- Last amended
- May 20, 2025
- Status
- In force
- Source
- https://www.legislation.gov.uk/eur/2019/1021/annex/I
Exemptions
- Trace contaminant limits in each entry
- PFOA: perfluorooctyl bromide for pharmaceutical production until 31 December 2026
Pending rules and decisions
- HSE UK REACH Annex 15 restriction proposal: Restriction of PFAS in firefighting foams (Great Britain)
Consultation closed 18 February 2026; HSE final opinion expected in 2026; Defra decision expected in 2027 (PFAS Plan) (February 18, 2026)
HSE proposed a UK REACH restriction on PFAS in firefighting foams; after HSE's final opinion the Secretary of State, with devolved government consent, decides. Source - PFAS Plan action 2.4: GB restriction of long-chain PFCAs under the POPs regime
Planned; to be implemented by end of 2026 (August 17, 2026)
Implements the May 2025 Stockholm Convention listing of LC-PFCAs, their salts and related compounds. Source - PFAS Plan action 3.6: Statutory PFAS limit in England's public water supply regulations
Consultation planned for 2026 (August 17, 2026)
Defra and the Drinking Water Inspectorate to consult on a statutory PFAS limit for drinking water in England. Source
Timeline
- January 1, 2023 Update
Scotland introduced a statutory drinking water standard of 0.1 µg/l for the sum of 20 PFAS. Source - November 16, 2023 Amended
PFHxS was added to the GB POPs Regulation. Source - April 1, 2025 Amended
S.I. 2025/296 amending the GB PFOA entry came into force. Source - July 4, 2025 Took effect
The GB derogation for PFOA firefighting foam in installed systems ended. Source - August 18, 2025 Update
HSE opened consultation on a UK REACH restriction of PFAS in firefighting foams. Source - February 3, 2026 Update
The government published the UK PFAS Plan. Source - February 18, 2026 Update
HSE's firefighting foam consultation closed. Source - August 17, 2026 Update
The PFAS Plan action table was updated. Source