The lubricants industry is rapidly moving away from per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) due to stricter environmental regulations and an increasing demand for sustainable products..

PFAS have historically played a crucial role in high-performance lubricants utilized in aerospace, electronics manufacturing, food-grade applications, and extreme-temperature environments where traditional additives are inadequate. Their exceptional resistance to heat, chemicals, and wear made them vital—until environmental persistence and potential health risks raised regulatory concerns.

The PFAS reporting regulation introduced by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) under TSCA Section 8(a)(7), initially set to take effect on May 8, 2025, has faced strong opposition from industry stakeholders. Manufacturers contend that the rule imposes burdensome reporting obligations, especially following the elimination of the longstanding de minimis exemption, which had allowed small quantities to be excluded. This change has raised widespread concerns about high compliance costs and significant operational difficulties.

The EPA recently recognized the industry’s concerns by postponing the PFAS reporting deadline from July 11, 2025, to April 13, 2026. Small manufacturers reporting exclusively as article importers will have until April 13, 2027, to comply.  Importantly, the EPA has opened a 30-day public comment period following the release of its interim final rule on May 13, 2025, providing stakeholders an opportunity to submit feedback on the extended reporting deadlines and other aspects of the regulation.

With regulatory pressures intensifying at multiple levels, advocacy and ongoing industry innovation are guiding the lubricants industry toward a sustainable future that balances environmental responsibility with product performance.