UK Government Response on PFAS Restrictions

The UK Government has responded to the Environmental Audit Committee’s call for rapid restrictions on non-essential uses of PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals”.

The Committee had recommended that the Government move quickly to restrict non-essential PFAS uses, including through an approach based on essential uses and time-limited derogations where suitable alternatives are not yet available.

In its response, the Government recognised the environmental and health risks associated with PFAS emissions. However, it did not commit to a new broad restriction covering all non-essential uses at this stage.

Focus on transition and evidence

The Government stated that broad restrictions on PFAS involve significant technical and economic complexities. It emphasised the importance of allowing industry sufficient time to transition to safer alternatives, particularly where PFAS perform critical functions and substitutes may not yet be technically feasible.

The Government also indicated that it will consider the results of EU regulatory initiatives on PFAS and review experience with essential-use approaches in other countries.

UK PFAS Plan

The response refers to the UK Government’s PFAS Plan, published in February 2026. The plan sets out a cross-government approach to reducing PFAS risks while supporting a transition to safer alternatives.

The plan focuses on three areas: understanding PFAS sources, tackling the pathways through which PFAS enter and spread in the environment, and reducing ongoing exposure to PFAS.

Planned actions include expanded monitoring, support for safer alternatives, further work on PFAS in firefighting foams, a planned consultation on drinking-water limits and improved guidance to help reduce PFAS emissions.

What this means for companies

The Government’s response does not create a new general PFAS restriction. Nevertheless, businesses should expect increased scrutiny of PFAS uses, emissions and alternatives under the UK PFAS Plan and related regulatory work.

Companies using PFAS should continue mapping PFAS in products, processes and supply chains. They should also assess the availability of safer alternatives and monitor developments under UK REACH, including potential restrictions on PFAS in specific uses such as firefighting foams.

Source: UK Parliament, Environmental Audit Committee, Addressing the risks from Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) ; and UK Government, PFAS Plan: building a safer future together .