SG 040/25
On February 27, 2025, France enacted Law No. 2025-188 (1) to prohibit the use of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetics, textiles and ski waxes by January 2026, with additional restrictions on all PFAS-containing textiles by 2030. The law also introduces a tax on manufacturers whose activities lead to PFAS discharges.
France has taken a major step toward reducing 'forever chemicals' in everyday products, becoming the second European country, after Denmark, to ban PFAS in certain goods. This move addresses growing concerns over the impact of these persistent chemicals on health and the environment. Under the new law, the production, import, export and placing on the market of PFAS-containing cosmetics, clothing textiles and ski wax will be prohibited starting in January 2026.
PFAS are a large group of chemical substances containing an estimated 10,000-plus substances. They are widely used in a variety of applications because of their ability to repel grease, water and oil. However, some PFAS can persist in the environment and accumulate in the human body, raising potential health and environmental concerns.
The new regulation currently allows for some exceptions for certain industrial textiles and products considered essential for critical applications. By 2030, the ban will extend to all textile products, unless they are necessary for essential uses. The PFAS restrictions will apply to textile clothing, footwear and waterproofing agents for consumer use, with exemptions for protective and safety gear meant for national defense or civil security missions. Starting January 1, 2030, PFAS will be prohibited in all textiles, except for those used for essential purposes, products necessary for the exercise of national sovereignty where no viable substitutes exist, and technical textiles for industrial applications.
The new French legislation also strengthens PFAS monitoring in drinking water and imposes financial penalties on industrial polluters. PFAS have been added to the list of substances tracked in drinking water, with mandatory annual public reporting. Companies will face a tax of EUR 100 per 100 grams of PFAS released into the environment. Additionally, a five-year plan aims to eliminate industrial PFAS water discharges by 2030. These measures are part of France's broader effort to reduce the environmental and health impacts of PFAS.
France's PFAS restrictions are still being defined, with key details such as exemptions and residual thresholds to be addressed in upcoming decrees. Additionally, a controlled PFAS list for water and a national 'depollution' plan will be established. We will provide updates as new information becomes available.
France’s measures are relatively limited in scope compared to the EU-wide PFAS Restriction Proposal (2), which seeks to regulate both consumer and industrial applications while providing broader protections for people and the environment. A national ban is not a substitute for EU-level action, as the European Commission's regulations will take precedence once implemented. However, the EU-wide PFAS Restriction Proposal has been in the legislative process since 2023 and we will continue to monitor the evolution and development of this restriction.
With the upcoming PFAS restrictions in France, manufacturers, importers and retailers should prepare for supply chain disruptions and reformulation challenges. Textile brands will need to adopt alternative waterproofing technologies, while industrial facilities must implement PFAS reduction strategies to comply with discharge limits and avoid penalties.
Reference:
- France LAW No. 2025-188
- EU PFAS Restriction Proposal
With facilities accredited to ISO, Australian, European and US standards, and experts covering every region of the globe, we are the number one choice for accurate, innovative solutions for PFAS testing. Whether you require rapid turnaround times or short-list remediation analysis, we have the capabilities to ensure your project is accurately and efficiently completed. Contact us for more information on PFAS testing, or visit our website. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested.
© SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA. This publication or website is a property of SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA. All contents including website designs, text, and graphics contained herein are owned by or licensed to SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA. The information provided is for technical and general information purposes only and offers no legal advice. The information is no substitute for professional legal advice to ensure compliance with the applicable laws and regulations. All information is provided in good faith “as is”, and SGS Société Générale de Surveillance SA makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, and does not warrant that the information will be error-free or meet any particular criteria of performance or quality.
