Restriction on PFHxA, its salts and PFHxA-related substances (REACH Annex XVII entry 79)

This REACH restriction limits PFHxA, the short-chain chemistry many firms adopted when they phased out C8 water repellents, to 25 ppb, and related substances to 1 000 ppb, in homogeneous material. It binds whoever places the articles on the market, importers as much as manufacturers, and only laboratory testing will settle compliance. Consumer clothing, accessories and footwear are covered from 10 October 2026; other consumer textile, leather and fur products from 10 October 2027.

Firms that moved to C6 finishes to deal with PFAS are in scope, so test results are needed before 10 October 2026.