France: PFAS ban

 

On April 4, the French Parliament unanimously passed a bill proposing the prohibition of manufacturing, importing, and selling certain products containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from January 1, 2026. The ban targets cosmetic products, ski wax, and textile products, excluding protective clothing for safety and civil security professionals. Textiles will fall under the ban starting January 1, 2030. Originally, kitchen utensils were included in the ban proposal but were removed from the bill due to opposition from the cookware industry, which historically used perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in nonstick cookware.

Additionally, the European Union is deliberating a potential continent-wide ban on PFAS, slated to take effect as early as 2026. Concurrently, the regulatory environment concerning PFAS in the United States is continuously changing, with federal regulatory actions and a patchwork of state laws banning PFAS use in various consumer products. This underscores the importance for U.S. businesses, especially those engaged in international consumer product markets, to stay informed about regulatory shifts in both domestic and foreign jurisdictions. Such businesses should proactively assess the necessary measures, like substituting PFAS-containing materials and securing certifications from upstream suppliers, to ensure compliance with market regulations and industry standards, thereby mitigating potential liabilities.

To find out more about chemical compliance and PFAS bans, please contact the Product Compliance Institute directly.