EPA Adds PFHxS-Na to Toxics Release Inventory

EPA PFAS Regulatory Updates

Published February 23rd, 2026

Detected March 13th, 2026

Summary

The EPA has finalized a rule adding sodium perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS-Na) to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI), bringing the total number of tracked PFAS to 206. Businesses in covered industries must now track and report releases of PFHxS-Na, with a reporting threshold of 100 lbs.

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What changed

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized a rule to add sodium perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS-Na) to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). This action, mandated by Congress, increases the number of tracked PFAS chemicals to 206. Covered businesses must now track and report the use or release of PFHxS-Na, which is subject to a lower reporting threshold of 100 lbs due to its classification as a chemical of special concern.

Facilities in covered industries must begin tracking PFHxS-Na usage and releases as of January 1, 2026. The first reports are due to the EPA by July 1, 2027. Non-compliance could lead to enforcement actions by the EPA, though specific penalties are not detailed in this announcement. This rule aims to enhance transparency regarding PFAS pollution and support public health and environmental protection efforts.

What to do next

Identify if PFHxS-Na is used or released at your facility.
Implement tracking mechanisms for PFHxS-Na usage and releases starting January 1, 2026.
Prepare and submit TRI reports for PFHxS-Na by July 1, 2027.

Source document (simplified)

EPA Expands Toxic Chemical Reporting, Strengthening Transparency on PFAS Pollution

Businesses Now Required to Track and Disclose Releases of PFHxS

February 23, 2026

Contact Information EPA Press Office
(press@epa.gov) WASHINGTON — U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today finalized a rule adding sodium perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS-Na) to the Toxics Release Inventory (TRI). The TRI is a tool that tracks and shares information about chemical releases and pollution prevention activities by factories and other facilities.

Under this rule, businesses in covered industries must begin tracking and reporting any use or release of PFHxS-Na, a well-studied PFAS chemical. The first reporting period began January 1, 2026 and the first reports will be due to EPA by July 1, 2027. Because PFHxS-Na is classified as a chemical of special concern it is subject to a lower reporting threshold, in this case 100 lbs.

“This addition ensures communities have the right to know what chemicals are being used and released in their neighborhoods,” *said EPA Assistant Administrator for Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention Doug Troutman*. “Transparency is a critical step toward protecting public health and the environment and holding polluters accountable.”

PFHxS-Na is the latest PFAS chemical added to the TRI under a process established by Congress in the 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which directs EPA to automatically include new PFAS chemicals in the inventory each year. With this action, the number of PFAS substances tracked by TRI rises to 206.

PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals known for their persistence in the environment and the human body. Because they do not break down easily, PFAS can accumulate over time, prompting growing concern about their potential health and environmental impacts.

The TRI program enables Americans to see how facilities in their area handle toxic chemicals, supporting informed local decision-making and advancing EPA’s commitment to environmental transparency.

More information for businesses and the public is available on the Reporting for TRI Facilities webpage.