Client: Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (Defra)
Year: 2025
eftec team: Thea Sletten, Graham Pattle, Karli Jeffery, Allegra Naldini, Su Gulmus, Paul Chung, Ryan Nugraha, Nil Torrebadella Bulta, Ece Ozdemiroglu
Service Area: Chemicals Policy
Location: England
Full report: PFAS UK Policy Options Analysis
Image note: The figure presents the ranking for options 1 – 5 (listed below) against the assessment criteria. Scores are ranked from 1(worst) to 7 (best).
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of man-made chemicals valued for their resistance to heat, water, oil and stains. They are increasingly recognised as substances of concern due to their persistence, and potential impacts on the environment and human health. Managing PFAS risks has become a key priority for governments worldwide, including the UK.
eftec supported Defra in exploring practical and proportionate policy measures to reduce PFAS emissions and exposures. Building on the UK’s 2023 PFAS Risk Management Options Analysis (RMOA) and ongoing work by the UK Chemical Stakeholder Forum, the study assessed targeted policy measures. The measures are intended to complement potential UK restrictions recommended by the RMOA.
We developed and applied a multi-criteria analysis framework to evaluate ten possible policy measures across five strategic options:
PFAS analytical methods and research capacity – improving the UK's ability to detect, monitor and regulate PFAS.
Consumer information and product transparency – increasing awareness of PFAS in products and supporting informed choices.
PFAS audits and substitution planning – improving information on PFAS use and encouraging transition to alternatives.
Tiered PFAS levies – creating financial incentives to reduce PFAS use.
Transferable quota systems – limiting PFAS placed on the market through declining quotas.
Each measure was assessed against 17 criteria, covering effectiveness, feasibility, costs, health and environmental benefits, and wider economic impacts.
The analysis showed that policy measures placing greater responsibility on industry, such as tiered levies or transferable quotas, can deliver substantial emission reductions and encourage faster substitution of PFAS. However, they also impose higher costs on private actors. Measures to improve analytical methods and testing infrastructure emerged as a critical first step, providing the foundation for effective regulation and enforcement.
By assessing these trade-offs, our work provides Defra with a clear evidence base to design a strategic, phased package of policies that balances ambition with practicality. The study highlights that combining market-based instruments with enabling measures can best ensure the UK’s approach to PFAS management is impactful, proportionate, and fair.