France Publishes PFAS ban in certain products
MARCH 2025 - HARDLINES, SOFTLINES
France has officially promulgated a new law which will impose a ban on perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in certain products1.
PFAS are well known as a large group of substances that exhibit extremely high environmental persistence, long-lasting from decades to centuries. While the process to adopt an EU-wide PFAS restriction is ongoing, France is now taking the initiative by adopting a PFAS ban in certain products.
According to the new law, from 1 January 2026, the import and sale of products containing PFAS will be prohibited in three categories of consumer goods: cosmetics, clothing textiles (with the exception of protective clothing for security and civil protection professionals) and ski waxes. From 1 January 2030, the ban will be expanded to cover all textile products.
However, the ban does not apply to products where the concentration of PFAS is less than or equal to a residual value, which will be defined by decree.
In addition to the product-related ban, the new law also specifies the health control of drinking water for PFAS. A national plan aims to eliminate industrial aqueous discharges of PFAS within five years. A fee will be imposed for any installation discharging PFAS into water if the annual release exceeds 100 grams, at a rate of 100 euros per 100 grams.
[1] French Law No. 2025-188 of 27 February 2025 on the protection of the population from the risks associated with PFAS
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