Is this the end of ‘forever chemicals’ in the EU?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have recently become ubiquitous – they are used in food packaging, textiles, cosmetics, tableware, electronics and industrial production. At first glance, they have excellent properties: they repel water, grease, and dirt and can withstand almost anything. However, their indestructibility is also their biggest problem. PFAS do not decompose – which is why they have been nicknamed ‘forever chemicals’. They accumulate in soil, water and the human body. Long-term human exposure to certain PFAS is associated with a number of adverse effects, such as carcinogenicity.  

A particularly sensitive sector where PFAS are used is packaging and materials intended for contact with food. When PFAS are used in packaging materials, exposure is virtually unavoidable and poses an unacceptable risk to humans. The EU therefore wants to phase them out. The aim is to prevent these substances from entering food, water and subsequently the human body. In a recently adopted regulation on packaging, the EU has therefore taken steps to restrict PFAS in food-contact packaging: with effect from 12 August 2026, it has set limit values for their concentration.  

At the end of October, the EU also amended the REACH Regulation, which deals with the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals. With effect from 23 October 2026, PFAS will also be restricted in fire-fighting foams, and from 23 October 2030, the placing on the market and use of fire-fighting foams with a PFAS concentration of 1 mg/l or higher will be prohibited.   

But that is far from the end of the story. The EU is moving towards the comprehensive regulation of PFAS through broad restrictions on ‘forever chemicals’ across sectors. This approach is considered the most effective and should also apply to imported products. At the same time, it should also cover as-yet-unknown PFAS and prevent the replacement of banned substances with other PFAS with the same risks. However, it is expected that there will be exceptions to the ban where other specialised legislation already applies, such as the use of PFAS as active substances in pesticides, biocides or medicines. These exceptions will, however, be subject to reporting requirements.  

Although this strict regulation of PFAS is still only in the legislative preparation and impact assessment phase, given the trend towards ensuring health and environmental protection, it can be expected that EU legislators will proceed with the further regulation of PFAS in the near future.