PFAS free foam - regulations
Ask for advise and contact usLatest update: February 27th, 2025
Be prepared for the fluorine ban: switch to PFAS-free firefighting foam
Dräger is supplier of a 6 and 9 litre fluorine-free foam extinguisher (constant pressure) as well as a 9 litre fluorine-free & frost-resistant extinguisher. This foam extinguisher is multifunctional for fires of liquids and solids. Safe and environmentally friendly.
With the introduction of the fluorine-free foam extinguisher, you are prepared for the fluorine ban. From January 1st 2026, PFAS foam extinguishers may no longer be sold.
In the phase-out table, you can see how many years you have to switch to PFAS-free foam extinguishers.
Get advice on making the switch!
Available PFAS free foam extinguishers
Fluorine-free 6 liter
- Fire class: 27A - 144B
- Discharge time: 27.5 seconds
- Throw lenght: 5 meters
- Gross weight: 11.2 kg
- Unit dimension: 240 x 155 x 595 mm (l x w x h)
- Temperature range: +5oC - +60oC
- Article number: 01121010
Fluorine-free 9 liter
- Fire class: 34a - 183b
- Discharge time: 37.5 seconds
- Throw lenght: 5 meters
- Gross weight: 15.4 kg
- Unit dimension: 270 x 190 x 610 (l x w x h)
- Temperatur range: 0oC - +60oC
- Article number: SG00108
Fluorine-free 9 liter - frost resistant
- Fire class: 34a - 183b
- Discharge time: 73 seconds
- Throw lenght: 6 meters
- Gross weight: 15.4 kg
- Unit dimension: 270 x 190 x 610 (l x w x h)
- Temperatur range: -25oC - +60oC
- Article number: SG00111
What does PFAS mean
PFAS is a collective term and stands for poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances. This group of chemicals is man-made and does not occur naturally in the environment. PFAS can have a negative impact on the environment and health. This means they are resistant to degradation when used and also in the environment.
What exactly is going on
On 15 July 2021, the official European ban on PFAS was notified to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway have worked together on this ban. These countries want to curb the use of PFAS to reduce the risks of the substances to humans and the environment.
How does the PFAS ban come about
After the ban was notified to ECHA in July 2021, the dossier was submitted in January 2023 and opinion formation took place. Then, in 2024, the European Commission made a proposal and negotiations started. Decisions were taken in 2025.
No PFAS-containing foam extinguishers may be sold on January 1st 2026. This applies to both fixed and portable systems.
For new ships built after January 1st 2026, all foam extinguishers on board must be PFAS-free foam extinguishers.
Use of PFAS in fire extinguishers restricted
Following on from the general PFAS ban, ECHA made a proposal in February 2022 to ban PFAS in fire extinguishers. You can read more about it on the ECHA website. Like the general PFAS ban, the ban of PFAS-containing foam extinguishers is also expected to be finalised by 2025.
Phasing out PFAS-containing firefighting foams
Segments | After PFAS restriction comes into force |
Test practice and training sector | 18 months |
Government fire brigades | 18 months |
Civil Shipping | 3 years |
Other industries non-Seveso companies, | 5 years |
Government fire brigades | 10 jaar |
Conditions for continued use of PFAS firefighting foam during transition period:
- PFAS-containing foam should only be applied to Class B fires (liquid fires)
- Firefighting organisations should make every effort to prevent the release of firefighting foam or PFAS-contaminated firefighting water into the environment. Used foam and extinguishing water must be collected and records must be kept of PFAS-containing foam concentrate used.
During the transition phase, the following should be done:
- Establish management plan for PFAS-containing firefighting foams (takes effect 6 months after regulation)
- All PFAS-containing firefighting foams in storage vessels
- PFAS-containing (waste) water have highly visible labels with the safety warning that the contents contain PFAS with a concentration of more than 1 ppm.
