To align with international commitments under COP-12 of the Stockholm Convention, the European Commission has adopted Delegated Regulations C(2026)6059 and C(2026)6262, incorporating long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (C9–C21 PFCAs), their salts, related substances, and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) into Annex I of the EU POPs Regulation ((EU) 2019/1021). Applying from December 16, 2026, the key provisions include:
- PFCA Scope Expansion: Expands restriction boundaries from C9–C14 PFCAs (currently regulated under REACH Annex XVII, Entry 68) to the broader C9–C21 PFCA group under POPs. The EC intends to streamline compliance by repealing the REACH entry post-adoption.
- Targeted Derogations & Thresholds: Introduces specific Unintentional Trace Contaminant (UTC) thresholds for C9–C21 PFCAs in firefighting foams and aligns C15–C21 PFCA exemptions with existing semiconductor spare-part derogations.
- MCCP Prohibition: Imposes a general ban on the manufacture, placing on the market, and use of MCCPs as substances, constituents in mixtures, or within finished articles EU-wide.
Upcoming Requirements
| Restricted Substance | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (C9-C21 PFCAs), their salts and related compounds as unintentional trace contaminants (UTC) | - ≤ 0.025 mg/kg of the sum of C9-C21 PFCAs and their salts - ≤ 0.26 mg/kg of the sum of C9-C21 PFCAs related substances - ≤ 10 mg/kg of the sum of C9-C21 PFCAs as transported isolated intermediate - ≤ 0.1 mg/kg of the sum of C9-C14 PFCAs in fluoroplastics and fluoroelastomers until 16 Dec, 2030 - ≤ 15 mg/kg of the sum of C15-C21 PFCAs in fluoroplastics and fluoroelastomers until 16 Dec, 2030 - ≤ 0.1 mg/kg of the sum of C9-C21 PFCAs in fluoroplastics and fluoroelastomers from 16 Dec, 2030 - ≤ 1 mg/kg of the sum of C9-C21 PFCAs in fire-fighting foam until 3 Aug, 2028 - ≤ 10 mg/kg of the sum of C9-C21 PFCAs related substances in fire-fighting foam until 3 Aug, 2028 |
| Medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) as unintentional trace contaminants (UTC) | ≤ 1000 mg/kg of MCCPs in substances, mixtures, and articles |
How SGS Helps Manufacturers Ensure Chemical Safety and Regulatory Compliance
With regulatory scrutiny intensifying and consumers demanding greater supply chain transparency, managing chemical risks is more critical than ever. SGS provides comprehensive solutions to safeguard your operations:
- Advanced Chemical Testing: In-depth analysis of plastics, coatings, and electronic components for PFAS, bisphenols, phthalates, flame retardants, and chlorinated paraffins.
- EU Regulatory Compliance: Expert guidance through complex frameworks—from REACH and RoHS to strict POPs restrictions—ensuring seamless and safe market access.
Ensure your electronics meet chemical regulations and sustainability standards with tailored testing, certification and compliance support from SGS.
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About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of over 100,000 dedicated professionals. With more than 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and a portfolio of trusted specialized brands, including Applied Technical Services, Brightsight, Bluesign and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN SW).
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