Regulation (EU) 2024/2462, published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 20 September 2024, amends Annex XVII of Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 (REACH Regulation). It introduces restrictions on the use of undecafluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), its salts and PFHxA-related substances (a subgroup of PFAS), including in cosmetic products.
The key points of Regulation 2024/1328 2024/2462
• This text sets out restrictions for these PFASs in various types of products: textiles, footwear, food packaging, consumer mixes, fire-fighting foam, etc., as well as cosmetics.
• It targets undecafluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), its salts and PFHxA-related substances, having a linear or branched perfluoropentyl group with the formula C5F11- directly attached to another carbon atom as one of the structural elements, or having a linear or branched perfluorohexyl group with the formula C6F13-.
• It prohibits the presence of these substances in products at a concentration equal to or greater than 25 ppb for the sum of PFHxA and its salts, or 1,000 ppb for the sum of PFHxA-related substances.
• It will apply to cosmetic products placed on the market from 10 October 2026.
The “Whereas” of Regulation 2024/2462
(1) Undecafluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), its salts and PFHxA-related substances (list available on ECHA website) have a combination of hazardous properties. PFHxA by far exceeds the “very persistent” criterion set out in point 1.2.1 of Annex XIII to Regulation (EC) No.1907/2006, is mobile in the aquatic environment and has potential adverse effects on human health …
