On 19 September 2024, the European Commission adopted new restrictions under the REACH Regulation to limit the use of undecafluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) and related substances. These chemicals, part of the broader PFAS group – commonly referred to as ‘forever chemicals’ – are highly persistent in the environment and pose serious risks to human health. The newly adopted restriction targets PFHxA applications where alternatives exist and the risk is not adequately controlled, particularly in consumer textiles, food packaging, cosmetics, waterproofing sprays, and certain types of firefighting foam used for training and testing. The restriction excludes other essential uses such as semiconductors, batteries, and green hydrogen technologies. This measure builds on prior efforts to reduce PFAS emissions, as PFHxA has often replaced previously banned substances like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). The restriction follows rigorous scientific evaluation and has been endorsed by both the European Parliament and the Council. It will come into effect 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the European Union, with transitional periods ranging from 18 months to 5 years to allow industry adaptation. The initiative forms part of the EU’s broader Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability and its ambition for a toxic-free environment.