The French Parliament has given the green light to a new bill that will outlaw the manufacture, import, and sale of items containing PFAS, targeting certain textiles from 1 January 2026, with a broader prohibition encompassing all textiles by 2030.
The ban will exclude clothing and footwear intended for protective and safety purposes, such as gear for firefighters.
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Despite facing some resistance, the majority of French lawmakers backed the bill. It now awaits President Emmanuel Macron’s signature to become law.
PFAS, a group of more than 10,000 synthetic chemicals known for their extreme persistence in the environment, have been linked to serious health risks including cancer, immune system disruption, and decreased fertility.
These chemicals are incorporated into products for their ability to resist water, stains, and sticking, and are also used across different manufacturing sectors.
In response to the news, legal expert of environmental charity ClientEarth Hélène Duguy said: “This law has undeniable shortcomings. For instance, it only bans the use of a limited number of consumer items and doesn’t even touch industrial uses – when we know that PFAS are widely used in various sectors such as automotive and electronics. Nonetheless, France is one of the first countries to act on what is both a public health and an environmental crisis and it should be applauded.
“PFAS pollution has reached a critical point and common-sense restrictions are overdue. The weight of scientific evidence on the harms of PFAS is now overwhelming. Alternatives exist and it’s imperative for top officials in Brussels and other countries to stop kicking the can down the road. We need sweeping restrictions on PFAS for consumer and industrial uses now.”
The legislation not only aims to safeguard public health and the environment from PFAS but also introduces financial accountability for polluters. Companies that release PFAS into the environment will face a fee of €100 ($104.82) per 100kg of PFAS emitted.
The push for this legislation gained momentum from public support as over 140,000 French citizens petitioned their MPs to endorse the bill.
Initially proposed in 2024 by French Green MP Nicolas Thierry, the ban was intended to include cookware. However, following fervent industry lobbying efforts and despite the availability of alternatives, cookware was ultimately exempted from the final bill.
While this national ban marks a significant step forward, it cannot replace broader European Union (EU) action.
Advocates are calling for the implementation of a universal EU restriction on PFAS that would extend protections across Europe, covering an extensive range of uses including clothing, cookware, and automobiles.
Sandra Bell from CHEM Trust expressed mixed reactions: “This ban on PFAS in products like clothing and cosmetics is great news for French citizens worried about their exposure to these harmful chemicals. The not so good news is that some key products like cookware were exempted. Now France needs to get firmly behind an EU-wide restriction on PFAS ensuring more products are included and citizens of all member states are protected.”
Environmental Defence Canada has also commended France’s decision to limit toxic PFAS production and restrict their presence in the market. The organisation emphasises that Canada should align with these measures not only for health reasons but also to ease trade with the EU.
Environmental Defence Canada toxics senior programme manager Cassie Barker added: “With looming US tariffs, we may soon need to access new markets for Canadian products. To do so, we will need to comply with the stronger environmental and consumer protection laws in the EU. Governments must stand up for stronger toxics laws and champion industry-reforming regulations by restricting the class of PFAS, which includes known cancer-linked and hormone disrupting chemicals.”
Last month, it was reported the European Commission is planning to propose a prohibition on the usage of PFAS in consumer goods with some exceptions that are yet to be confirmed.
