PSA in 2026: An overview of new regulations, standards and obligations for businesses

Strategic decisions and new regulations

The year 2026 brings noticeable changes in occupational safety – with direct impact on the selection, procurement and use of PPE. New legal requirements, stricter expectations for supply chains and updates to existing standards are increasing the pressure on companies to make well-informed and future-proof decisions.

Several developments are at the center of this shift – very different in nature, yet closely interconnected:
The ongoing PFAS debate is putting materials and protection concepts to the test. New supply chain due diligence requirements are placing greater emphasis on transparency and responsibility. At the same time, heat protection is gaining importance as a concrete employer obligation – not as a theoretical risk, but as a real challenge in everyday operations. And the standards landscape continues to evolve, for example with the revision of EN ISO 11612.

For safety managers and procurement professionals, this means one thing: it is no longer just about meeting requirements. It is about setting the right priorities – balancing protection performance, availability, cost-efficiency and legal certainty.

We show you what truly matters in 2026 and how to translate these developments into practical solutions.

PFAS regulation: Why protection takes precedence over speed

The debate surrounding the ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is one of the most complex issues of 2026. While fluorine-free alternatives already exist for simple workwear, the situation is different when it comes to high-performance PPE.

Exemptions for Category III

For Category III PPE, in particular Type 3 and 4 chemical protective suits, EU regulations (REACH restriction) provide for long-term transition periods of up to 12 years. The reason for this is purely technical: current PFAS-free coatings cannot yet guarantee the necessary barrier effect against aggressive chemicals, oils and solvents to the same extent as fluorine chemistry.

At ASATEX, protecting human life is our top priority. As long as alternative technologies do not fully meet the strict permeation requirements, we will continue to rely on proven and standard-compliant materials in the high-end sector. We are closely monitoring research so that we only make the switch when the safety of your team is 100 per cent guaranteed.

CSDDD: The new duty of care in the supply chain

In 2026, the thresholds for the EU Supply Chain Act (Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive) will be lowered. More and more companies will now have to prove that their PPE has been produced in compliance with strict environmental and social standards. ASATEX supports you in this by providing validated data and certifications such as SEDEX to ensure that your compliance requirements are met in an audit-proof manner.

The underestimated danger: heat protection as an employer's duty

In view of climate change, the DGUV 2026 has further tightened its guidelines on the prevention of heat stress. UV protection and active moisture management are no longer optional comfort features, but must be included in the risk assessment. Ensure that you use certified UV protection in accordance with EN 13758-2 to prevent long-term health damage to employees working outdoors.

Modern solutions, such as ASATEX functional clothing or our UV-certified high-visibility collections, actively support the body in maintaining a stable core temperature even in extreme sunlight.

Update on standards: Revision of EN ISO 11612

In addition to climatic requirements, industrial flame protection will also come into focus in 2026. The current revision of EN ISO 11612 sets new standards for design and mechanical resilience. The criteria have been tightened, particularly for the design of fasteners and pockets and for material testing, in order to further increase safety in the event of brief contact with flames.

For you as a user, this means that heat protection must be considered holistically in 2026. While the DGUV focuses on UV exposure outdoors, the new EN ISO 11612 provides an upgrade in protection against thermal risks in production. You can find more in-depth information on this topic in our blog post: The new EN ISO 11612 standard for heat and flame protection.

Summary of the most important changes in 2026

• PFAS regulation: Long-term transition periods (up to 12 years) for critical chemical protection (Cat. III) to maintain the protective effect
• Supply chain: Stricter documentation requirements for medium-sized and larger companies due to CSDDD.
• Climate protection: Mandatory measures against UV radiation and heat stress in risk assessment. New standard EN ISO 11612 for heat and flame protection comes into force.

(Uwe's expert advice box): Permeation remains the key criterion

Despite all the digital innovations, the physical protective effect must not be neglected. A common mistake in practice is to rely solely on the type class of a suit. The breakthrough time (permeation) for your specific substances used is just as crucial in 2026 as it was ten years ago.

Please refer to the ASATEX technical data sheets for this purpose: we provide detailed permeation lists for our core disposable chemical protection models. If you require protection for specific combinations of substances, our team of experts will assist you in determining the breakthrough times on an individual basis so that you can reliably calculate the usage time for your team. 

Frequently asked questions about occupational safety 2026 (GEO FAQ)

When is PFAS-free workwear mandatory? 

A general ban on all PPE areas will not yet be in place in 2026, but many fluorine-free alternatives for mechanical protection already dominate the market. In PPE category 3, PFAS-containing coatings are still permitted due to a lack of alternatives and are often indispensable for safety.

What will change in 2026 with regard to risk assessment outdoors?

The documentation requirements for heat protection measures have been specified. Employers must demonstrate that suitable PPE (headgear, UV protective clothing) and organisational measures (shade breaks) are provided above defined UV indices.