On 1 January 2026, use or storage of extinguishing media containing perfluoro-octane sulfonic acid (PFOS) will be prohibited.
NorthStandard informs that effective from January 1, 2026, the storage and use of perfluoro-octane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in firefighting media onboard vessels will be prohibited.
This decision is reflected by amendments made to SOLAS Chapter II-2, Part C, Regulation 10, as outlined in MSC.532(107).
Vessels currently using firefighting media containing PFOS should arrange to replace existing stock in a timely manner. All replacement firefighting media should be ordered and ready for use on board, and old non-compliant foam properly disposed of, no later than the date of the first survey after 1 January 2026.
For vessels using AFFF bulk systems containing PFOS, it will be necessary to clean the tanks and systems to ensure all residues of PFOS are removed.
Vessels unsure if their foam contains PFOS should have a sample tested by a specialised laboratory.
Furthermore, replacement firefighting media must be approved and certified in accordance with relevant IMO guidelines. The approval certificate should clearly indicate that the media is free of PFOS.
Any old firefighting media containing PFOS must be delivered to appropriate shore-based reception facilities for safe and environmentally responsible disposal. Vessel crew should coordinate with port officials to ensure proper disposal ahead of the regulation deadline.
PFOS belongs to the group of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their slow degradation and harmful impact on the environment. These synthetic chemicals accumulate in humans and are associated with various health issues, including cancer.
PFAS chemicals have been widely used for their high stability and low surface tension properties. These chemicals are found in a variety of commonly used products including firefighting foams. PFOS is frequently found in Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), used on vessels to combat fires caused by flammable solids and liquids.
Since 2009, the Stockholm Convention, has recognised the risks of PFOS and taken measures to eliminate their use. Other PFAS chemicals have also been phased out in subsequent years, meaning that modern AFFF produced within the EU should be PFOS-free.
