One of the most popular household items, the air fryer, may find itself in the crosshairs of EU regulation. Experts say the changes won’t happen overnight, but in the long term, they could have a significant impact on the market.
What is the EU planning?
A large-scale regulatory process is currently underway in the European Union, aimed at restricting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). The proposed PFAS ban could cover around 10,000 different compounds used across numerous industries.
The proposal was drawn up jointly by several countries — including the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. The process is being coordinated by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Consultations began in 2023, and the preparation of a final decision could take several more years.
Why are PFAS a problem in air fryers?
One of the key components of domestic hot-air fryers — that is, air fryers — is their non-stick coating. In many cases, these coatings may contain PFAS compounds.
According to expert concerns, the reasoning behind the PFAS ban is that these substances break down extremely slowly and can accumulate both in the environment and in the human body. Some studies have linked them to hormonal disruption, effects on the immune system, and certain types of cancer.
We have previously written about what toxic substances have been found in Hungary and what their consequences were — you can read about it here.
Which products could the regulation affect?
The proposed regulation would not affect kitchen appliances alone. PFAS substances are also found in mobile phones, waterproof jackets, solar panels, medical devices, and industrial products.
The ban could therefore trigger widespread industrial transformation, as manufacturers will need to find alternative coatings and technologies. In some cases, this shift towards ceramic-based or other PFAS-free solutions is already underway.
Will there be an outright ban in the EU?
The current proposal does not represent an immediate and total ban, but rather a gradual transition. Plans indicate that individual industries could be given a transitional period of between 1.5 and 12 years to adapt.
The final form of the regulation has not yet been decided, and the European Commission is expected to reach a definitive decision over the coming years.
What to look out for
According to experts, consumers would do well to consider not only performance, capacity, and price, but also the material used for the coating. A growing number of manufacturers are offering PFAS-free models — for instance, those with ceramic coatings.
Making an informed choice may be especially important given the upcoming regulation, as these products are likely to become the industry standard in the future.
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