On 15 November 2023, the UK Secretary of State published Regulation Si. 2023 no.1217, amending Part A of Annex I of the UK Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPS) Regulations (EU) 2019 1021 to add new limits for perfluorohexyl sulfonic acid (PFHXS), its salts and PFHXS-related compounds (CAS number: 355-46-4, etc.). The amendments will take effect on November 16, 2023.
The details are as follows: 1. Restrictions.
The production, placing on the market and the use of perfluorohexylsulfonic acid (PFHXS), its salts and PFHXS-related compounds, whether on their own, or in mixtures or articles, are prohibited, except in substances, mixtures or articles:
The sum of the concentrations of PFHXS and any of its salts is 0025 mg/kg (0.0000025%) by weight), and the sum of the concentrations of all PFHXS-related compounds 1 mg kg (00001%) by weight.
For concentrated firefighting foam mixtures to be used or being used in the production of other firefighting foam mixtures, the sum of the concentrations of PFHXS, its salts, and PFHXS-related compounds is 01 mg/kg (0.00001%) (by weight).
II. Definitions. Perfluorohexyl sulfonic acid (PFHXS), its salts, and PFHXS-related compounds" means:
1. Perfluorohexyl sulfonic acid, including branched isomers;
2. Its salts: refers to any substance that contains the chemical group C6F13SO2- in its structure and may be degraded into PFHXS.
Perfluorohexyl sulfonic acid (PFHXS), its salts, and PFHXS-related compounds, are found in applications such as firefighting foams, metal plating, textiles, leather and upholstery, polishes, and cleaning detergents, coatings, impregnating protection (for moisture, mildew, etc.), electronics, and semiconductor manufacturing. Other potential uses include pesticides, flame retardants, paper and packaging, the petroleum industry, and hydraulic fluids.
Note: Appendix I: Substances Prohibited for Manufacture, Placing on the Market and Use