France Leads the Charge: Ban on “Forever Chemicals” in Consumer Products Begins

France Takes Bold Action to Tackle “Forever Chemicals”

Starting January 1, 2026, France will officially enforce a major ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) — also known as “forever chemicals” — in a range of everyday products. This move makes France one of the first countries in the world, and the first major one in Europe, to adopt such comprehensive rules on these persistent pollutants.

PFAS are widely used in cosmetics, textiles, shoes, and ski waxes for their water-repellent and stain-resistant properties. However, they have become notorious for their extreme persistence in the environment and potential harm to human health. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), some PFAS—like PFOA and PFOS—are either carcinogenic or potentially carcinogenic to humans.

What the Ban Covers

The new French decree prohibits the manufacture, import, export, and sale of products containing PFAS above specific thresholds. The rules apply to:

Cosmetics (such as waterproof makeup and lotions)
Clothing and footwear (especially outdoor and sportswear)
Ski waxes used in winter sports

Each product category must comply with strict concentration limits:

25 parts per billion (ppb) for any individual PFAS measured
250 ppb for the total sum of PFAS in the product
50 parts per million (ppm) when including PFAS-based polymers

Exceptions and Transition Period

To ease the transition for manufacturers, the government has allowed a 12-month grace period. Products made before January 1, 2026 may still be sold or exported until early 2027.

However, not every product is covered by the ban. Exemptions apply to:

Protective and safety textiles, including those used by the military, police, and emergency services
Industrial technical fabrics where PFAS-free alternatives are not yet viable
Recycled textiles (provided PFAS are only present in the recycled fraction)

Despite the pragmatic phase-in, many French manufacturers warn the ban could put national industries at a competitive disadvantage compared with countries that have not yet followed suit.

“It’s a relief that we have a transition period,” said Olivier Ducatillion, president of the French Textile Industry Union. “But France is taking this step ahead of Europe, and that could hurt competitiveness if others don’t act soon.”

France: A European Pioneer

France’s move follows Denmark’s earlier 2020 ban of PFAS in food packaging, but goes further by targeting a broader range of consumer products. The new law will extend in 2030 to all textiles, with only limited exemptions for essential and sovereign uses.

At the European level, a comprehensive PFAS restriction proposal is expected in 2026, following a joint effort by Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Norway. The EU is currently refining its plan to regulate more than 10,000 PFAS chemicals under its REACH framework, though industry lobbying has slowed progress.

Why This Matters

Scientists have linked PFAS exposure to a growing list of health and environmental problems, including:

Increased risk of cancer, liver damage, and hormone disruption
Water and soil pollution, due to the chemicals’ resistance to degradation
Bioaccumulation in humans and wildlife

France’s leadership in regulating PFAS sends a powerful signal — that tackling persistent pollution is not only an environmental priority but a public health imperative.

Preparing for a PFAS-Free Future

As the PFAS ban takes effect, companies are racing to develop safer, sustainable alternatives. Textile and cosmetic innovators are turning to bio-based repellents and non-fluorinated coatings that combine performance with safety.

For consumers, this shift also means one thing: greener, safer products on store shelves, and a cleaner environment for generations to come.