European Commission adopted amendments affecting PFOA firefighting foam exemption timing and concentration limits (ECHA Weekly report)

ECHA’s Weekly update reports that the European Commission adopted amendments (reported as adopted 5 May 2025) to Annex I of the EU POPs Regulation affecting PFOA, its salts and PFOA-related substances in firefighting foams. The update indicates (1) an extension of the expiry date of the specific exemption for use of firefighting foams already installed in systems containing PFOA-related substances, and (2) new concentration limits for PFOA-related compounds in firefighting foam. Compliance teams managing AFFF/installed suppression systems and PFAS waste streams should review the updated exemption conditions and concentration limits to confirm continued eligibility and any phase-out/transition planning.