Regulation of PFAS firefighting foams

The EPA is the appropriate regulatory authority for matters relating to the discharge of PFAS firefighting foam.

In NSW, IChEMS is implemented through Part 9.3E of the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act). Section 296C(1) of the POEO Act makes it an offence for a person to do a thing that is prohibited by the IChEMS register.

Penalties may apply for failing to comply with the IChEMS register in some circumstances.

Transport for NSW and 7 high fire risk facilities are permitted to continue to use PFAS firefighting foams until 1 December 2027 while they transition to PFAS-free firefighting systems.

Individuals or business owners with portable fire extinguishers containing PFAS foam must comply with the PFAS bans under IChEMS. The bans prohibit three main PFAS chemicals from import, use, manufacture and export in Australia from 1 July 2025, unless specifically exempted. 

For more information, please see Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard.

No. From I July 2025, three main PFAS chemicals are prohibited from import, use, manufacture and export in Australia under IChEMS, unless specifically exempted. 

Businesses should approach their portable extinguisher and firefighting foam suppliers to discuss options for changing out PFAS firefighting foam extinguishers. Most suppliers of firefighting foams provide services to periodically check and replace portable extinguishers or the concentrated firefighting liquid they contain.

Individuals can drop offdispose  of household quantities of Class B fire extinguishers by delivering them to at Community Recycling Centres. For locations: Community Recycling Centres | EPA or at chemical cleanout events: www.cleanout.com.au

It is not an offence to possess portable fire extinguishers containing PFAS. Individuals and businesses can continue to have them stored on their premises until arrangements for safe disposal can be made.