If your business or property is still using AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) fire extinguishers, now is the time to act!

Regulations have changed – and for good reason.

AFFF Foam extinguishers have long been praised for their effectiveness on flammable liquid fires. But beneath their useful surface lies a growing environmental concern. Some of these extinguishers contain PFOA/PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” which don’t break down in nature and have been linked to serious environmental and health risks.

What’s has changed?

Under new EU regulation 2025/1988 of 2 October 2025

From 23rd October 2026 the sale, supply or distribution of Foam (AFFF) Fire Extinguishers containing PFAS equal to or greater than 1mg/L will no longer be permitted within the EU.

Alcohol Resistant Fire Fighting Foams containing PFAS will be permitted for use in portable fire extinguishers until 23rd April 2027

Existing Foam (AFFF) Fire Extinguishers placed on the market before this 23rd October 2026 can continue to be used until 31st December 2030 under set conditions.

They cannot be refilled, once discharged
Any contents discharged during testing/maintenance/training must be treated as hazardous waste and managed through a Permitted Waste Facility with final disposal by high temperature incineration.

What does this mean for you?

From 23rd October 2026 there will be a total prohibition on the purchase, training, testing and application of AFFF Foam Extinguishers and any remaining inventory will have to be managed as hazardous waste. In addition, if your total inventory of handheld AFFF Extinguishers exceeds 50 Kg you will be required to notify the EPA.

Read more here

But this isn’t just about ticking a compliance box. It’s about doing the right thing.

At Fire Products Direct, we care about more than just fire safety. We care about people, the planet, and protecting what matters most. That’s why we’re already helping businesses and property managers transition to environmentally friendly extinguishers that meet the latest safety standards without compromising the environment.

What are the alternatives?

We have introduced the next generation of fire extinguishers: clean, safe, and highly effective – without the environmental baggage.

Whether you’re protecting a retail space, office, warehouse or home, we can guide you towards the right replacement. Our Green Series Water units contains water only with no additives so its contents are harmless to the environment. They have been designed for the Irish market and to compliment all the requirements contained within Irish Standard 291. These are a direct alternative to Foam when there is no class B risk and are suitable for putting out Class A fires involving materials like wood, paper and textiles.

Let’s make your fire protection safer – for your people and the planet.

Check out our range of Green Series Water Fire Extinguishers here and make sure you are ahead of the new deadlines.

Remember: If you Discover a Fire

Raise the alarm

Evacuate the premises

Call 999 or 112

Only tackle the fire if safe to do so

Be Smart. Be Prepared. Be Safe.