{"id":19123,"date":"2025-09-19T09:16:51","date_gmt":"2025-09-19T02:16:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/?p=19123"},"modified":"2025-09-20T15:58:46","modified_gmt":"2025-09-20T08:58:46","slug":"imo-2026-ban-on-pfos-in-fire-fighting-media","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/en\/imo-2026-ban-on-pfos-in-fire-fighting-media\/","title":{"rendered":"IMO 2026: Ban on PFOS in fire fighting media onboard ships"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Starting from 01 January 2026, amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-2 and the High-Speed Craft Codes (HSC Code 1994 &amp; 2000) will officially take effect, prohibiting the use or storage of Fire Fighting Media containing PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid).<\/p>\n<p>This regulation applies to both fixed fire extinguishing systems and portable fire extinguishers, directly impacting:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Shipowners, managers, and operators<\/li>\n<li>Naval architects and shipyards<\/li>\n<li>Marine equipment manufacturers<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>According to IMO, \u201cphasing out PFOS is essential to reduce persistent pollution in the marine environment and to protect human health from the serious risks of this chemical.\u201d<\/p>\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_58 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-light-blue ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title \" >N\u1ed9i dung b&agrave;i vi\u1ebft<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\" role=\"button\"><label for=\"item-6a0b0e9195746\" ><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input aria-label=\"Toggle\" aria-label=\"item-6a0b0e9195746\"  type=\"checkbox\" id=\"item-6a0b0e9195746\"><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/en\/imo-2026-ban-on-pfos-in-fire-fighting-media\/#Why_is_PFOS_banned\" title=\"Why is PFOS banned?\">Why is PFOS banned?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/en\/imo-2026-ban-on-pfos-in-fire-fighting-media\/#Related_IMO_Resolutions_2026\" title=\"Related IMO Resolutions 2026\">Related IMO Resolutions 2026<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/en\/imo-2026-ban-on-pfos-in-fire-fighting-media\/#Implementation_Roadmap_for_IMO_2026_Regulation\" title=\"Implementation Roadmap for IMO 2026 Regulation\">Implementation Roadmap for IMO 2026 Regulation<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3'><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/en\/imo-2026-ban-on-pfos-in-fire-fighting-media\/#1_For_new_ships_keel_laid_on_or_after_01_January_2026\" title=\"1. For new ships (keel laid on or after 01 January 2026)\">1. For new ships (keel laid on or after 01 January 2026)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/en\/imo-2026-ban-on-pfos-in-fire-fighting-media\/#2_For_existing_ships_keel_laid_before_01_January_2026\" title=\"2. For existing ships (keel laid before 01 January 2026)\">2. For existing ships (keel laid before 01 January 2026)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/en\/imo-2026-ban-on-pfos-in-fire-fighting-media\/#3_Handling_and_disposal_of_PFOS-based_Fire_Fighting_Media\" title=\"3. Handling and disposal of PFOS-based Fire Fighting Media\">3. Handling and disposal of PFOS-based Fire Fighting Media<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/en\/imo-2026-ban-on-pfos-in-fire-fighting-media\/#4_Documentation_and_certification_requirements\" title=\"4. Documentation and certification requirements\">4. Documentation and certification requirements<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/en\/imo-2026-ban-on-pfos-in-fire-fighting-media\/#What_Should_Shipowners_and_Managers_Do\" title=\"What Should Shipowners and Managers Do?\">What Should Shipowners and Managers Do?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/en\/imo-2026-ban-on-pfos-in-fire-fighting-media\/#PFOSPFOA-Free_Foam_Fire_Fighting_Media\" title=\"PFOS\/PFOA-Free Foam Fire Fighting Media\">PFOS\/PFOA-Free Foam Fire Fighting Media<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_PFOS_banned\"><\/span>Why is PFOS banned?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>PFOS belongs to the PFAS group, often referred to as \u201cforever chemicals\u201d due to their extreme persistence in nature. Although once widely used in Class B foam Fire Fighting Media for their effectiveness in suppressing flammable liquid fires, they pose severe risks:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>PFOS accumulates long-term in the marine environment, water sources, and living organisms.<\/li>\n<li>Scientific studies link PFOS to endocrine disruption, liver damage, and increased cancer risk.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>As a result, not only IMO but also the European Union (EU) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) are promoting the global elimination of PFOS\/PFOA.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-19103 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Cam-chat-chua-chay-chua-PFOS.jpg\" alt=\"Ban on PFOS in fire fighting media onboard ship\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" srcset=\"https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Cam-chat-chua-chay-chua-PFOS.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Cam-chat-chua-chay-chua-PFOS-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Cam-chat-chua-chay-chua-PFOS-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Cam-chat-chua-chay-chua-PFOS-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Cam-chat-chua-chay-chua-PFOS-600x338.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Related_IMO_Resolutions_2026\"><\/span>Related IMO Resolutions 2026<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>To implement the phase-out of PFOS in marine Fire Fighting Media, IMO has adopted several resolutions and technical guidelines as legal and operational references:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/wwwcdn.imo.org\/localresources\/en\/KnowledgeCentre\/IndexofIMOResolutions\/MSCResolutions\/MSC.532(107).pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">SOLAS Chapter II-2 \u2013 MSC.532(107)<\/a>: Amends Chapter II-2 of SOLAS on fire safety measures, prohibiting the use or storage of PFOS-containing Fire Fighting Media in both fixed and portable systems.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/puc.overheid.nl\/nsi\/doc\/PUC_2409_14\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HSC Code 1994 \u2013 MSC.536(107)<\/a>: Applies to high-speed craft built under the 1994 Code, aligning PFOS restrictions with SOLAS to enhance fire safety.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ccs.org.cn\/ccswzen\/specialDetail?id=202311090433535506\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">HSC Code 2000 \u2013 MSC.537(107)<\/a>: Applies to vessels under the 2000 HSC Code, updating fire safety provisions to fully eliminate PFOS in Fire Fighting Media.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.classnk.com\/hp\/en\/info_service\/iacs_ur_and_ui\/index.aspx\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Unified Interpretations<\/a> \u2013 IACS UI SC309 &amp; HSC11: Issued by IACS to clarify IMO requirements. SC309 covers hazardous material and IHM lists, while HSC11 details verification procedures for high-speed craft.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.register-iri.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/MSC.1-Circ.1694.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">IMO MSC.1\/Circ.1694<\/a>: Provides transition guidelines for shipowners, classification societies, and manufacturers on replacing foam, handling PFOS waste, and updating relevant certificates.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Implementation_Roadmap_for_IMO_2026_Regulation\"><\/span>Implementation Roadmap for IMO 2026 Regulation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>The new IMO regulation on eliminating PFOS in Fire Fighting Media will be rolled out under a clear roadmap, allowing shipowners and managers sufficient time to prepare.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_For_new_ships_keel_laid_on_or_after_01_January_2026\"><\/span>1. For new ships (keel laid on or after 01 January 2026)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>From the delivery stage, ships must not use or store any Fire Fighting Media containing PFOS above 10 mg\/kg (0.001% by mass).<\/p>\n<p>This means that from 2026, all fixed fire-fighting systems as well as portable equipment (such as <a href=\"https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/en\/firefighting-equipments\/fire-extinguisher\/portable-fire-extinguisher\/\">portable fire extinguishers<\/a> and foam sprayers) must be completely PFOS-free.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_For_existing_ships_keel_laid_before_01_January_2026\"><\/span>2. For existing ships (keel laid before 01 January 2026)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Ships already in service will be given a transition period. However, the final deadline is the first survey after 01 January 2026. At that time, all systems or equipment containing PFOS must be replaced or removed, and updated technical documentation must be provided to prove compliance.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Handling_and_disposal_of_PFOS-based_Fire_Fighting_Media\"><\/span>3. Handling and disposal of PFOS-based Fire Fighting Media<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Any PFOS-based agents or cylinders no longer permitted for use must be delivered to an approved onshore reception facility. This is a mandatory requirement to ensure hazardous waste does not pollute the marine or terrestrial environment.<\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Documentation_and_certification_requirements\"><\/span>4. Documentation and certification requirements<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Shipowners must maintain full documentation proving that onboard Fire Fighting Media are PFOS-free. The minimum records include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Manufacturer\u2019s declaration<\/li>\n<li>Batch details and production date<\/li>\n<li>Type Approval \/ MED Certificate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If such documentation is unavailable, samples must be taken and tested at an accredited laboratory to demonstrate compliance.<\/p>\n<p>From 01 January 2026 onwards, all ships\u2014newly built or already in operation\u2014must demonstrate that their fire-fighting systems are free from PFOS. Failure to comply will be considered a violation and may result in Port State Control (PSC) detention.<\/p>\n<p>This is a significant regulatory shift that requires shipowners and managers to proactively review their Fire Fighting Media and plan for replacement well in advance of the deadline.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-19105 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Chat-chua-chay-dang-bot-foam.jpg\" alt=\"Foam fire fighting media for ship\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" srcset=\"https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Chat-chua-chay-dang-bot-foam.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Chat-chua-chay-dang-bot-foam-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Chat-chua-chay-dang-bot-foam-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Chat-chua-chay-dang-bot-foam-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Chat-chua-chay-dang-bot-foam-600x338.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Should_Shipowners_and_Managers_Do\"><\/span>What Should Shipowners and Managers Do?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>To comply with the IMO 2026 regulation, shipowners and managers must start reviewing and preparing immediately.<\/p>\n<p>By the first survey after 01 January 2026, all onboard fire-fighting systems must demonstrate that their Fire Fighting Media are PFOS-free, or that any PFOS-containing agents have been safely replaced and disposed of in accordance with the regulation.<\/p>\n<p>Three Key Tasks:<\/p>\n<p><strong>Proof of PFOS-free Fire Fighting Media<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>All fire-fighting systems and equipment (both fixed and portable) must have documentation proving they do not contain PFOS. If PFOS was previously used, shipowners must provide evidence that it has been removed and disposed of at an approved facility.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Certification of Replacement Equipment<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Any new fire-fighting equipment must be supplied with valid Type Approval \/ MED Certificates to ensure legal compliance and operational safety.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Update Technical Documentation<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) must be updated to reflect the removal of PFOS-based Fire Fighting Media, ensuring transparency during inspections.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>Clarification on \u201cFirst Survey\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>According to MSC.1\/Circ.1290, the \u201cfirst survey\u201d refers to the first annual, periodical, or renewal survey conducted after 01 January 2026. For vessels under construction (keel laid before the deadline but delivered afterwards), the initial survey will be considered the \u201cfirst survey.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"PFOSPFOA-Free_Foam_Fire_Fighting_Media\"><\/span>PFOS\/PFOA-Free <a href=\"https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/foam-chua-chay-afff-3-ec-med-suolong-trung-quoc\/\">Foam Fire Fighting<\/a> Media<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In pursuit of safety and sustainability, MARICO provides next-generation foam Fire Fighting Media that are completely free from PFOS\/PFOA, fully compliant with IMO, SOLAS, and other international certifications.<\/p>\n<p>This is not only preparation for the 2026 deadline but also a long-term trend in the maritime industry, enabling shipowners and managers to stay ahead in meeting global regulations.<\/p>\n<p>As a trusted supplier of marine firefighting equipment in Vietnam, MARICO is committed to delivering safe and compliant solutions that protect both people and the ocean.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-19124\" src=\"https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Foam-fire-fighting-Suolong-AFFF-3.jpg\" alt=\"Foam fire fighting media\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" srcset=\"https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Foam-fire-fighting-Suolong-AFFF-3.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Foam-fire-fighting-Suolong-AFFF-3-300x169.jpg 300w, https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Foam-fire-fighting-Suolong-AFFF-3-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Foam-fire-fighting-Suolong-AFFF-3-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/Foam-fire-fighting-Suolong-AFFF-3-600x338.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>Changing today means safer tomorrows \u2013 for a cleaner ocean and a sustainable maritime industry.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Starting from 01 January 2026, amendments to SOLAS Chapter II-2 and the High-Speed Craft Codes (HSC Code 1994 &amp; 2000) will officially take effect, prohibiting the use or storage of Fire Fighting Media containing PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonic Acid). This regulation [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":19099,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[234],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19123"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=19123"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19123\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":19130,"href":"https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/19123\/revisions\/19130"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/19099"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=19123"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=19123"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/marico.com.vn\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=19123"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}