From October 10, 2026, a REACH Annex XVII restriction (Entry 79) applies to perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), its salts and PFHxA-related substances in clothing, related accessories and footwear intended for the general public.
Products must not be placed on the EU market where the sum of PFHxA and its salts reaches or exceeds 25 ppb, or where the sum of PFHxA-related substances reaches or exceeds 1,000 ppb, measured in homogeneous material.
The restriction covers substances that can degrade or transform into PFHxA, and applies layer by layer rather than as a product average. Exemptions include specified Category III personal protective equipment, medical devices and construction textiles.
A separate restriction for other consumer textiles, leather, fur and hide products, including carpets, upholstery and bed linen, applies from October 10, 2027. Products placed on the market before each application date are outside the restriction.
Because Regulation (EU) 2024/2462 directly amended REACH, the measure is directly applicable in all Member States, though enforcement and penalties are set nationally.
