[Regulation]Regulation update: The EU POPs Regulation | Reduction of PFOS Limits & New Substances to be Added
13 Apr 2026
Overview
The EU regulation on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is being continuously tightened throughout 2025–2026.
In particular, the limits for PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonate)1) have been drastically reduced, and new banned substances are about to be added. Consequently, we expect that practitioners will need to proactively review their material data.
1) A PFAS-related substance consisting of carbon-fluorine bonds.
Key Content
PFOS limits drastically reduced (Effective date: December 3, 2025)
PFOS and salts: 10 mg/kg → 0.025 mg/kg (1/400th of the previous level)
PFOS-related compounds (total): Newly set at 1 mg/kg
Exemption removed: The previous exemption for the 'chromium(VI) electroplating process' has been removed, meaning the exact same limits will apply going forward.
New substances to be added to Annex I (Entry into force expected in Q2 2026)
Following the public consultation (which ran until December 19, 2025), the following substances are about to be added to Annex I:
Chlorpyrifos: Pesticide-related substance
MCCPs: Plasticizers and flame retardants for rubber and plastic parts
PFCAs (C9–C21): PFAS-related substances widely used in coatings and treatment agents
Additions with phased limits/grace periods
Dechlorane Plus2): Listed in October 2025. 1,000 mg/kg allowed until April 2028, then tightened to 1 mg/kg.
UV-328: UV stabilizer for exterior plastic parts. Listed in August 2025, limits will be gradually reduced to 1 mg/kg by 2029.
2) An organic compound containing a large amount of chlorine, mainly used as a flame retardant.
Key Substance Regulation Changes
Substance
Previous Limit
New Limit
Effective Date
PFOS and salts
10 mg/kg
0.025 mg/kg
December 3, 2025
PFOS-related compounds (total)
-
1 mg/kg
December 3, 2025
Dechlorane Plus
Unregulated
1,000 mg/kg → 1 mg/kg (After April 2028)
October 2025
UV-328
Unregulated
1 mg/kg
(Gradually by 2029)
August 2025
MCCPs / PFCAs, etc.
Unregulated
TBD
(To be added to Annex I)
Expected Q2 2026
Conclusion
The EU POP Regulation is remaining dynamic and being rapidly tightened. The reduction of PFOS limits and the new listing of MCCPs and PFAS-related substances will have a direct impact on the automotive supply chain.
We strongly recommend proactively reviewing the material data of your company and suppliers before the additional regulations enter into force in 2026.
MDSKorea will continue to do our best to provide valuable insights. Thank you.
Overview
The EU regulation on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is being continuously tightened throughout 2025–2026.
In particular, the limits for PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonate)1) have been drastically reduced, and new banned substances are about to be added. Consequently, we expect that practitioners will need to proactively review their material data.
1) A PFAS-related substance consisting of carbon-fluorine bonds.
Key Content
PFOS limits drastically reduced (Effective date: December 3, 2025)
Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/718 has significantly reduced the limits.
PFOS and salts: 10 mg/kg → 0.025 mg/kg (1/400th of the previous level)
PFOS-related compounds (total): Newly set at 1 mg/kg
Exemption removed: The previous exemption for the 'chromium(VI) electroplating process' has been removed, meaning the exact same limits will apply going forward.
New substances to be added to Annex I (Entry into force expected in Q2 2026)
Following the public consultation (which ran until December 19, 2025), the following substances are about to be added to Annex I:
Chlorpyrifos: Pesticide-related substance
MCCPs: Plasticizers and flame retardants for rubber and plastic parts
PFCAs (C9–C21): PFAS-related substances widely used in coatings and treatment agents
Additions with phased limits/grace periods
Dechlorane Plus2): Listed in October 2025. 1,000 mg/kg allowed until April 2028, then tightened to 1 mg/kg.
UV-328: UV stabilizer for exterior plastic parts. Listed in August 2025, limits will be gradually reduced to 1 mg/kg by 2029.
2) An organic compound containing a large amount of chlorine, mainly used as a flame retardant.
Key Substance Regulation Changes
PFOS and salts
10 mg/kg
0.025 mg/kg
December 3, 2025
PFOS-related compounds (total)
-
1 mg/kg
December 3, 2025
Dechlorane Plus
Unregulated
1,000 mg/kg → 1 mg/kg (After April 2028)
October 2025
UV-328
Unregulated
1 mg/kg
(Gradually by 2029)
August 2025
MCCPs / PFCAs, etc.
Unregulated
TBD
(To be added to Annex I)
Expected Q2 2026
Conclusion
The EU POP Regulation is remaining dynamic and being rapidly tightened. The reduction of PFOS limits and the new listing of MCCPs and PFAS-related substances will have a direct impact on the automotive supply chain.
We strongly recommend proactively reviewing the material data of your company and suppliers before the additional regulations enter into force in 2026.
MDSKorea will continue to do our best to provide valuable insights. Thank you.
Reference: EU POP Regulation: New substances, stricter limits (EU POP Regulation: New substances, stricter limits - imds-professional)