The European Commission has introduced new rules to address environmental and health risks from certain chemicals. Regulation (EU) 2024/2462 adds Item 79 to Annex XVII of the EU REACH Regulation, targeting perfluorohexanoic acid (PEHXA), its salts, and related substances. Businesses need to follow these rules to stay compliant and continue selling in the EU market.
PEHXA is a type of PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substance) commonly used in products like outdoor clothing and textiles for its waterproof and oil-proof properties. However, it poses environmental risks because it spreads easily in water, contaminating soil, groundwater, and drinking water. This has led to stricter regulations.
The new rules define PEHXA as substances with a perfluorohexyl group attached to carbon, but some derivatives, like C6F14, are excluded. PEHXA and its salts are limited to 25 ppb in materials, with a total cap of 1000 ppb for PEHXA-related substances. These limits are now in place, with some exemptions under the EU POPs Regulation ((EU) 2019/1021).
Businesses using PEHXA in products like textiles, electronics, or food packaging should make sure they comply with the new regulations. Non-compliance could result in market restrictions or product recalls. We recommend companies look into the early stages of their supply chains to identify cases where banned substances may be entering their products. Plus making sure you have a key handle on the regulations and the products affected is critical.
To read more about SVHC and REACH testing, check out our free guide.
To support businesses, HQTS offers a host of tailored REACH compliance solutions for your supply chain:
- In-House REACH testing Our in-house labs can offer tailored testing for Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) making sure your products meet Annex XVII requirements.
- SDS (Safety Data Sheet) Support: We’ll check your safety documentation complies with REACH.
- Compliance Assessments: A full evaluation of your full supply chain to minimize risks and ensure adherence to regulations.
- Training and Consulting: Work together with our compliance experts on the latest regulatory developments and tailored compliance strategies for your supply chain.
To protect your products against costly recalls, customs checks and bans from marketplaces, contact HQTS today and speak with one of our experts about our tailor REACH compliance services. Contact our dedicated compliance team today.
