PFHxS is included in the UK POPs regulatory control

On November 15, 2023, the UK issued regulation UK S.I. 2023/1217 to update the control scope of its POPs regulations, including perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), its salts, and related substances, with an effective date of November 16, 2023.
After Brexit, the UK still follows the relevant control requirements of the EU POPs Regulation (EU) 2019/1021. This update is consistent with the EU's August update on PFHxS, its salts, and related substances control requirements, which applies to Great Britain (including England, Scotland, and Wales). The specific restrictions are as follows:

PFAS substances are constantly becoming a hot topic globally. Currently, the restrictions on PFAS substances in the European Union are summarized as follows. Other non EU European countries also have similar PFAS requirements, including Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and others.

Common uses of PFHxS and its salts and related substances
(1) Water based film-forming foam (AFFF) for fire protection
(2) Metal electroplating
(3) Textiles, leather, and interior decoration
(4) Polishing and cleaning agents
(5) Coating, impregnation/protection (used for moisture-proof, mildew proof, etc.)
(6) Electronics and semiconductor manufacturing field
In addition, other potential use categories may include insecticides, flame retardants, paper and packaging, petroleum industry, and hydraulic oils. PFHxS, its salts, and PFHxS related compounds have been used in certain PFAS based consumer products.
PFHxS belongs to a category of PFAS substances. In addition to the regulations mentioned above that regulate PFHxS, its salts, and related substances, more and more countries or regions are also regulating PFAS as a major category of substances. Due to its potential harm to the environment and human health, PFAS has become increasingly popular for control. Many countries and regions have imposed restrictions on PFAS, and some companies have been involved in lawsuits due to the use or pollution of PFAS substances. In the wave of PFAS global control, enterprises should timely pay attention to regulatory dynamics and do a good job in supply chain environmental control to ensure product compliance and safety entering the corresponding sales market.