New EU Regulation on PFAS in Fire-Fighting Foams: What's Changing and How to Prepare
On 2 October 2025, the European Commission adopted Regulation (EU) 2025/1988 , which amends Annex XVII to REACH and introduces firm restrictions on PFAS in fire-fighting foams.
PFAS in brief: why they are banned
- PFAS are a family of thousands of synthetic compounds, valued for their performance, but extremely persistent in the environment .
- They accumulate in soil and water; some are suspected of being carcinogenic and may act as endocrine disruptors .
- In Class B fire foams, their use generated emissions and contamination that were difficult to remediate.
What does Regulation (EU) 2025/1988 provide?
General threshold: extinguishing foams cannot contain more than 1 mg/L PFAS (sum of all PFAS).
"Rebound effect" in cleaned equipment: for fluorine-free foams from equipment previously used with PFAS (except portable fire extinguishers) up to 50 mg/L PFAS is temporarily accepted, with review by October 23, 2030 .
Mandatory labeling (from October 23, 2026): " WARNING: Contains PFAS ≥ 1 mg/L (sum of all PFAS) ".
Management plan: users must have a management plan for foams containing PFAS (conditions of use, waste collection, cleaning, replacement strategy), kept for at least 15 years.
Waste treatment: without biological treatment; incineration, ≥ 1,100°C .
| Use / Sector | Term | Observations |
|---|---|---|
| Portable fire extinguishers (placing on the market) | October 23, 2026 | Standard types |
| Portable fire extinguishers – alcohol-resistant foams (market introduction) | April 23, 2027 | Extended transition period |
| General uses / civil aviation | October 23, 2030 | The general term |
| Training & testing | April 23, 2027 | Only in enclosed spaces, no leaks |
| Seveso (2012/18/EU), offshore oil & gas, military ships and civilian vessels with PFAS foams already on board | October 23, 2035 | Exemptions with review before expiry |
| Use in portable fire extinguishers (all) | December 31, 2030 | Use permitted until this date |
Impact for companies and fire services
- Transition to fluoride-free solutions and update intervention plans.
- Site-wide PFAS Management Plan (condition of use after October 23, 2026).
- Separate collection of unused stocks and wastewater/waste containing PFAS for appropriate treatment .
- Labeling of products and waste exceeding 1 mg/L.
PFAS-free solutions available on Distreo
Bridgehill Fire Blankets
Mechanical extinguishing by isolating oxygen, without chemicals, without residue.
See the range →Flarex autonomous systems
Autonomous aerosol devices for the protection of electrical panels; non-toxic, easy to install.
Product details →Lith-Ex (Li-ion)
Special extinguishing agent for Li-ion batteries, fluorine-free, designed for emerging risks.
Learn more →NEW on Distreo: Neuruppin fluorine-free fire extinguishers
For a simple and compliant transition, we have added to our portfolio the CNSIPC - IGSU authorized Neuruppin PFAS-free extinguishers , suitable for the requirements of the new regulations and tested for performance in real conditions:
Neuruppin 6 L – fluoride-free
- Temperature range: 0 – 60 °C
- Compatible with fluorine-free requirements
- Ideal for offices, retail, HORECA
- Authorized CNSIPC - IGSU
Neuruppin 9 L – fluoride-free
- Temperature range: 0 – 60 °C
- PFAS-free, easy maintenance
- Recommended for warehouses and logistics spaces
- Authorized CNSIPC - IGSU
Neuruppin 50 L – fluoride-free (0 – 60 °C)
- Mobile trolley 50 L, rapid interventions
- 0 – 60 °C : ideal for indoor/temperate spaces
- For production halls and covered parking lots
- Authorized CNSIPC - IGSU
Neuruppin 50 L – fluorine-free (-25 – 60 °C)
- Cold environment performance: -25 – 60 °C
- Unheated warehouses, outdoor parking lots, logistics
- PFAS-free – ready for long-term compliance
- Authorized CNSIPC - IGSU
Note: If you are using equipment that has previously operated with foams containing PFAS, plan professional cleaning and verify compliance with the applicable threshold (1 mg/L or, temporarily, 50 mg/L for rebound, where applicable).
Switch to PFAS-free solutions with Distreo
We offer you consulting for equipment selection and replacement, compliance documentation and tested solutions for your risk scenarios.
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