AFF Foam fire extinguishers can be invaluable when tackling Class B flammable liquid fires in enclosed spaces. They work by smothering flames, cutting off the oxygen supply and extinguishing the flames. However, the chemicals that make AFFF fire extinguishers powerful against Class B fires can accumulate over time, creating risks to human health and the environment. This has prompted the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and UK REACH to take further action in addressing chemicals used in AFF foam fire extinguishers.
Current foam fire extinguisher regulations have raised questions and prompted the need for clarification. To help transition confidently and compliantly, here we outline the possible future implications set out by the EU and UK in regards to limiting the use of fluorine-containing AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam), and what it means for the fire safety industry.
PFAS (Per or Poly Fluoroalkyl substances), sometimes referred to as C6/C8, are a group of 5000+ chemical compounds. They are used in everyday items from waterproof clothing, non-stick pan coatings, and AFF foam fire extinguishers, due to their robust nature.
The downside to PFAS compounds being so robust is that they are very tough to break down naturally, so can build up in nature and wildlife, and can also be linked to increased cancer risks and reproductive issues.
No, foam fire extinguishers are not being banned entirely in 2025. Recent claims suggesting a blanket ban on AFFF fire extinguishers by July 2025 are incorrect.
In the UK, there are currently only active restrictions on two compounds found in fire extinguishers, these are:
As long as the fire extinguisher does not contain the above compounds, they can remain in place and can still be installed past July 2025.
We can confirm that all Commander, CommanderEDGE and Contempo fire extinguishers have not contained this compound since 2017.
The EU has released two draft restrictions; the first being for PFHxA often referred to as C6.
(EU) 2024/2462 was published on 19 September 2024 and this restricts the use of PFHxA in the following applications:
This restriction does not apply to portable fire extinguishers, as they will be covered in the fire fighting foam restrictions we outline below.
The next draft restriction would apply to all 5000+ PFAS compounds, including those found in AFF foam fire extinguishers. This restriction would require all foam fire extinguishers containing any PFAS to be removed from sale within 1 year of introduction of the restriction, and then all PFAS containing fire extinguishers decommissioned by December 2030 in the European Union.
CheckFire is committed to leading the charge for a safer, greener future. Our Big Green Plan has been structured to align with the EU, allowing our trade customers in the UK to meet future regulations without experiencing disruptions in service, or equipment performance, in readiness for when the UK follows with its own ban in the future.
In September 2024, we communicated our commitment to a PFAS-free fire extinguisher range from our brands; Commander, CommanderEDGE and Contempo.
We introduced our Green Crosshair symbol to represent PFAS-free fire extinguishers under The Green Range. We are now 100% PFAS-free across our fire extinguisher portfolio, with the green crosshair symbol now included on all fire extinguisher cylinders across Commander and CommanderEDGE. It is not included on Contempo cylinders for aesthetic reasons.
It was essential that any new PFAS-free fire extinguishers that we introduced carried the trusted performance and quality our customers have come to expect. We are proud to confirm that the new PFAS-free alternatives that have been rolled out across the Commander, CommanderEDGE and Contempo range continue to maintain the same high standards of quality, performance and certification.
As always, our priority is to provide the highest standard of fire safety equipment while staying ahead of future regulatory changes. With our updated PFAS-free fire extinguisher portfolio, we’re not only ensuring compliance with future regulations for ourselves and our customers, but also reinforcing our shared commitment to environmental protection.
For more updates on regulations and guidance on transitioning to PFAS-free fire extinguishers compliantly, sign up to our newsletter.
POSTED 2026.02.09 BY Aneta Mikesova
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