Answer to a written question – PFAS chemicals dumped in Ukraine – E-000767/2025(ASW)

The Commission has not received any evidence related to the claims of illegal dumping, which could substantiate possible intervention. Nonetheless, the EU is working on addressing the issue of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through a comprehensive set of actions.

Certain PFAS are already regulated under the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulation[1] and the regulation on Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)[2].

The export of fire-fighting foams containing perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS) or perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is banned according to the Stockholm Convention[3] and the export ban is implemented in EU legislation as per Article 15(2) and Annex V Part 1 of Regulation (EU) No 649/2012[4].

A proposal to restrict PFAS in all firefighting foams has been published for discussion with Member States[5] and adoption is expected by the end of 2025[6].

The Commission is committed to providing long-term support to Ukraine in its efforts to align with EU environmental and health standards, including the management of chemicals.

This includes assistance in approximating Ukraine’s chemicals legislation to the EU’s Regulation for the Classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures[7] and to REACH, which introduce modern approaches to chemical safety and management.

Ukraine has access to funding and assistance through the Ukraine Facility[8] and other mechanisms, which target post-war reconstruction needs[9], including bilateral cooperation with EU Member States[10].

This support aims to help Ukraine react to the environmental and health incurred damage, particularly in the context of the ongoing Russian military aggression.

• [1] Regulation (EU) 2019/1021 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 20 June 2019 on persistent organic pollutants (recast), OJ L 169, 25.6.2019, p. 45-77.
• [2] Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 18 December 2006 concerning the Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), establishing a European Chemicals Agency, amending Directive 1999/45/EC and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 793/93 and Commission Regulation (EC) No 1488/94 as well as Council Directive 76/769/EEC and Commission Directives 91/155/EEC, 93/67/EEC, 93/105/EC and 2000/21/EC, OJ L 396, 30.12.2006.
• [3] Article 3 and Annex A.
• [4] Regulation (EU) No 649/2012 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 4 July 2012 concerning the export and import of hazardous chemicals (recast), OJ L 201, 27.7.2012, p. 60-106.
• [5] in November 2024.
• [6] https://ec.europa.eu/transparency/comitology-register/screen/documents/102503/1/consult?lang=en
• [7] Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 16 December 2008 on classification, labelling and packaging of substances and mixtures, amending and repealing Directives 67/548/EEC and 1999/45/EC, and amending Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, OJ L 353, 31.12.2008, p. 1-1355.
• [8] https://enlargement.ec.europa.eu/funding-and-technical-assistance/ukraine-facility_en
• [9] Including hazardous waste management, capacity building, and other aspects of safe chemical management.
• [10] For example, a cooperation between the Swedish Chemicals Agency and Ukraine on EU chemicals legislation, on reduction of negative effects of chemicals on health and the environment and conditions for the free movement of goods.