EU PFHxA restriction: what applies to clothing and footwear

Last updated: 15 October 2026

Since 10 October 2026, clothing, related accessories and footwear sold to the general public in the EU may not contain PFHxA above set limits. The rule is Entry 79 of REACH Annex XVII, added by Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/2462. It applies directly in every member state, with no national law needed.

Where things stand (15 October 2026)

In force: the limits have applied to clothing, related accessories and footwear since 10 October 2026.
Next: the same limits extend to all other consumer textiles, leather, furs and hides on 10 October 2027.
The wider "universal" PFAS restriction is not law yet. ECHA's two scientific committees support it, with derogations, and the final opinion on its socio-economic impact is expected by the end of 2026.

Key dates

10 October 2024: Regulation (EU) 2024/2462 entered into force
10 October 2026: Limits apply to textiles, leather, furs and hides in clothing and related accessories for the general public, and to footwear for the general public
10 October 2027: Limits extend to all other textiles, leather, furs and hides for the general public

Section 01

What is limited

PFHxA and its salts: 25 parts per billion (ppb) or more, added together, is not allowed.
PFHxA-related substances, meaning substances that can break down into PFHxA: 1,000 ppb or more, added together, is not allowed.
Limits are measured in homogeneous material, so each material in a product (fabric, coating, trim) is tested on its own, not averaged across the whole item.
Switching to short-chain "C6" water-repellent finishes is not a safe route, because C6 chemistry is what this restriction targets.

Section 02

What is covered, and what is not

Covered from 10 October 2026: textiles, leather, furs and hides in clothing and related accessories for the general public, and footwear for the general public.
Covered from 10 October 2027: other consumer textiles, leather, furs and hides, such as household textiles and upholstery.
Not covered: certain category III personal protective equipment, medical devices and in-vitro diagnostic devices, and construction textiles.
Articles placed on the market before the application date are outside the restriction. What counts as "placed on the market" has a specific legal meaning, so check how it applies to your stock.

Section 03

Some countries go further

France: from 1 January 2026, manufacture, import, export and sale of consumer clothing and footwear containing PFAS is prohibited, subject to exemptions and thresholds.
Denmark: since 1 July 2026, consumer clothing, footwear and waterproofing agents with a total fluorine content of 50 mg F/kg or more cannot be imported or sold. Stock imported before that date can be sold until 1 January 2027. Professional and safety clothing is excluded.

Section 04

What comes next

ECHA has been assessing a proposal to restrict PFAS as a group, submitted on 13 January 2023. Its Risk Assessment Committee adopted its opinion in March 2026, and the Socio-Economic Analysis Committee's draft was open for consultation until 25 May 2026.
After the final opinions, the Commission prepares a draft restriction for a vote by member states. Nothing from this process applies yet.

Section 05

What to do now

Ask suppliers for chemical declarations and test reports for each material, measured against 25 ppb and 1,000 ppb.
Check water-repellent, stain-resistant and coated products first, including membranes and trims.
Work out which products you placed on the EU market before 10 October 2026, and keep the records.
If you sell into France or Denmark, check your products against their rules as well.
Hold chemical test results as structured product data so they can feed a Digital Product Passport later.

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Sources

This page is for general guidance and does not constitute legal advice. Requirements depend on your products, entities and markets.

Led by Lavinia Fernandes, a UN/CEFACT UNTP Supply Chain Working Group member.

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