Emergency Contact Prohibition of the use of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in fire-extinguishing media Home Latest updates News Prohibition of the use of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in fire-extinguishing media 10 Dec 2025 Download article Sign up for alerts From the 1 January 2026, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-2 (Construction – fire protection, fire detection and fire extinction) and the High-Speed Craft (HSC) Code (1994 and 2000) will come into effect. These amendments introduce a ban on the use of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) in fire-extinguishing media, aiming to reduce environmental and health risks associated with persistent chemicals found in certain fire-fighting foams. This ban covers all fixed and portable fire-extinguishing equipment, including stored fire-fighting foams, that contain PFOS above 10 mg/kg (0.001% by weight). Applicability These new requirements apply to all vessels that must comply with SOLAS Chapter II-2. Specifically, this applies to cargo vessels of 500 GT and above engaged on international voyages, and passenger vessels carrying more than 12 passengers. Additional requisites include: For new ships, where the keel is laid on or after 1 January 2026, PFOS-containing fire-extinguishing media must not be installed or carried on board. For existing ships, the ban is applicable from the date of their first Cargo Ship Safety Equipment Certificate (CSSEC) survey (annual, periodic or renewal) or Passenger Ship Safety Certificate (PSSC) survey after 1 January 2026. Ships certified under the HSC Code will also be subject to the ban. For these vessels, the requirement takes effect from the date of their first HSC Safety Certificate survey (annual, periodical or renewal) carried out on or after 1 January 2026. Requirements By this date, applicable vessels must ensure that: They have evidence that all fire-extinguishing media on board are PFOS-free, or that arrangements have been