UK firefighting foam ban deadline reached for PFOA-based agents
Iain Hoey
Share this content
UK enforces PFOA deadline for fire safety products
The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has confirmed that the transition period for removing firefighting foams containing perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) ended on 4 July 2025.
According to the FIA, fixed systems and portable extinguishers containing PFOA-based foam must now be fully decommissioned and replaced.
The PFOA ban does not apply to all fluorinated foams. Products based on fluorotelomer chemistry, which have been standard since 2010, remain permitted.
The FIA said that refilling older equipment with fluorotelomer foam is not compliant if the equipment previously contained PFOA. Trace levels may still exceed legal thresholds.
Any foam product supplied within the past 10 years is not affected by this restriction, the FIA added.
Current legal framework for PFOA and related substances
The FIA guidance explains that PFOA joins PFOS and PFHxS as restricted substances under UK REACH and POPS regulations.
These substances are no longer allowed in concentrations above set thresholds for firefighting applications.
As the guidance states, AFFF formulations containing PFOA were mostly discontinued before 2010, replaced by alternatives using fluorotelomer surfactants.
However, any equipment that previously contained PFOS, PFOA, or PFHxS and was refilled rather than replaced is still non-compliant.
The FIA reiterated that this restriction applies regardless of whether the foam inside has been changed, as system residue may exceed permitted concentrations.
UK regulatory developments and future restrictions
The FIA confirmed that the UK Government is currently consulting on broader restrictions covering per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in firefighting foams.
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launched an industry consultation in 2024.
A public consultation is expected to follow in 2025.
According to the FIA, any UK-wide ban on PFAS in firefighting foams is unlikely to be implemented before 2026.
The FIA noted that if aligned with draft EU proposals, transition periods of 5 to 10 years could apply depending on the application.
EU legislation and its influence on UK planning
The FIA highlighted two separate REACH restrictions being pursued by the European Union that would affect PFAS use in firefighting foams.
One, published in September 2024 as Regulation (EU) 2024/2462, bans PFHxA in textiles and selected firefighting applications from 2026.
This restriction does not affect the UK directly, although it may influence DEFRA and HSE policy.
A second EU restriction specific to firefighting foam remains pending.
The FIA said that although these do not apply to UK law, they may affect UK manufacturers exporting to Europe.
UK end users and suppliers are advised to monitor developments.
Impact on fire safety products and market preparedness
The FIA warned that any future ban on PFAS could affect a wide range of water-based extinguishing agents including AFFF, wet chemical, and some additive foams.
Such a ban would lead to increased demand for compliant alternatives and disposal services for existing equipment.
The FIA said supply-side challenges should be expected as manufacturers transition away from fluorinated products.
End users and suppliers are advised to begin preparing now for longer-term regulatory shifts.
The FIA concluded that while there is no immediate legal requirement to use fluorine-free agents, early planning is recommended.
UK firefighting foam ban deadline reached for PFOA-based agents: Summary
The Fire Industry Association has confirmed that the PFOA transition deadline ended on 4 July 2025.
All fixed and portable firefighting foam systems containing PFOA must now be removed from use.
PFOA is banned under UK REACH and POPS chemical regulations.
Foams containing PFOA have not been supplied since before 2010.
Fluorotelomer-based foams remain compliant and are not affected by the ban.
Refilling old systems with compliant foam does not meet legal requirements.
UK consultations on wider PFAS restrictions are ongoing.
A public consultation is expected in 2025.
Future bans may affect AFFF, wet chemical, and other foams.
The FIA advises suppliers and users to begin transitioning early.