France Adopts Comprehensive PFAS Ban with Specific Implementation Dates

On 20 February 2025, the French National Assembly adopted a new law aimed at reducing public exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in the environment and the human body.

Ban on PFAS in Key Consumer Products

Beginning in 2026, the legislation will prohibit the manufacture, import, and sale of PFAS-containing products as follows:

• 1 January 2026: Prohibition on the manufacture, import, export, and sale of products containing PFAS in the following categories:

  • Cosmetics: All beauty and personal care products.

  • Textiles: Clothing items, except protective gear for military personnel and firefighters.

  • Ski Waxes: Products used to maintain and enhance the performance of skis.

• 1 January 2030: Expansion of the ban to include all textiles containing PFAS, including a broader range of fabric-based products.

These measures aim to reduce public exposure to PFAS, which are used for their waterproofing and non-stick properties, but have raised health and environmental concerns due to their persistence.

Exemptions and Industry Implications

Notably, the legislation exempts certain items from the ban:

• Protective Clothing: Gear designed for security forces and emergency responders is exempt to ensure their safety and operational effectiveness.

• Cookware: Kitchen utensils, such as nonstick pans, are exempt from the law, giving manufacturers additional time to develop suitable PFAS-free alternatives.

The phased implementation provides industries with a clear timeline to transition to safer alternatives, reflecting a balance between public health priorities and economic considerations.

This legislative move positions France at the forefront of global efforts to regulate and reduce the use of PFAS and sets a precedent for comprehensive chemical safety standards.

France’s PFAS Ban and the EU-Wide Restriction Proposal

France’s national restrictions on PFAS are being introduced alongside the EU-wide restriction proposal currently under review by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). The proposal, which was submitted in January 2023, seeks to ban the production, use, and sale of around 10,000 PFAS across the EU. Public consultations ended in September 2023, and a final decision is expected following a review by the European Commission and EU member states.

France is not the first EU country to take independent action on PFAS ahead of the EU-wide restriction. Denmark has already banned PFAS in paper and board food packaging from 2020 and recently announced plans to extend this ban to consumer clothing, footwear, and waterproofing agents from July 2026 (read more here). Denmark, along with Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden, has also been a key proponent of the EU’s broader restriction proposal.

By moving forward with national legislation, France is taking a leading role in addressing PFAS pollution while supporting the broader European regulatory framework. If adopted, the EU-wide restriction could further strengthen measures to phase out PFAS in industrial and consumer applications in all member states.