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Denmark Bans PFAS in Firefighting Foams

SafeGuardSHardgoods08. Feb 2024

SG 29/24

Denmark has regulated the import, sale and use of PFAS in firefighting foams. The new law became effective on January 1, 2024.

In 2020, Denmark became the first country to prohibit per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in food contact paper and board materials and articles. (SafeGuardS 73/20)

In November 2023, Denmark issued Executive Order No. 1360 of November 27, 2023 (the Order), to regulate PFAS in firefighting foam (FFF) concentrates.

According to the definitions in the order, PFAS means any substance containing at least one fully fluorinated methyl (CF3) or methylene (CF2) carbon atom without any H/Cl/Br/I atoms attached to it.

Highlights of the Order are summarized in Table 1.

SubstanceScope1RequirementEffective date
PFASFirefighting foam concentrates for use at a fire training ground≤ 1 mg/kgJanuary 1, 2024 (import and sale)
PFASFirefighting foam concentrates for use at a fire training ground≤ 1 mg/kgJanuary 1, 20242

1 Exempts PFAS regulated under 1) Regulation (EC) 1907/2006 (REACH) and 2) Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 on persistent organic pollutants (recast) (POP Recast). Also exempts FFF concentrates for use in fixed firefighting systems at fire training grounds and offshore installations.

2 Use of non-compliant stocks of FFF concentrate at a training ground are permitted until July 1, 2024

Table 1

It is important to note that the European Union (EU) is intending to regulate PFAS in FFF and has issued a separate proposal to restrict PFAS under REACH. (SafeGuards 20/23)

SGS Fire Technology Services provide comprehensive and professional fire safety services for industries such as fire products, building materials and components and transportation. As an independent third-party service provider, SGS has gained recognition and cooperation from numerous customers in the fields of firefighting equipment testing, combustion testing of building materials and components and transportation equipment, fire safety consulting, safety assessment and certification, with its professional team, rich experience and comprehensive equipment.

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For further information, please contact:

Kay Huang

Kay Huang

BD Manager, Fire Technology Service
HingWo Tsang

Dr. HingWo Tsang

Global Information and Innovation Manager

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