France has passed a new law that will ban PFAS in several products including clothing and cosmetics.

The French parliament has passed a new law restricting the production and use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of over 10,000 highly persistent synthetic chemicals known as “forever chemicals,” in cosmetics, clothing, and other materials.

What’s in the Bill?

The bill—introduced by Nicolas Thierry, MP for the Groupe Ecologiste et Social, and backed by more than 20 MPs—passed its first stage vote in April 2024. It bans all PFAS in clothing for the general public, cosmetics, and ski waxes by 2026, and in all textiles by 2030. Additionally, PFAS will be added to the list of substances monitored in French drinking water, and companies emitting PFAS will face a fee of 100 euros per 100 kg released

Is there support for the ban in France?

Public backing is strong: over 100,000 citizens, rallied by the campaign group Générations Futures, have urged politicians to endorse the ban.

When will it take effect?

The ban will take effect on January 1, 2026, with an extension to all textile products by 2030, unless exempted for essential uses.

PFAS national action across the EU

France is not alone in this effort. Denmark has already banned PFAS in paper and cardboard food packaging and will ban PFAS-containing consumer clothing, footwear, and waterproofing products from July 2026. Denmark’s PFAS National Action Plan also focuses on improved monitoring, cleanup, and working with companies to find alternatives. In the Netherlands, MP Geert Gabriëls has proposed a national ban on PFAS emissions as an initial step towards prohibiting PFAS production.

What are PFAS?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), comprise of a family of over 10,000 persistent synthetic chemicals, often dubbed “forever chemicals” because of their resistance to degradation. Exposure to certain PFAS has been associated with numerous adverse health outcomes, including cancer development, immune system disruption, and reduced fertility. France now follows Denmark in spearheading measures against PFAS

More information available at https://chemtrust.org/news/pfas-ban-passed-in-france/ and https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20250220-france-s-parliament-votes-to-ban-some-uses-of-forever-chemicals