On February 27, 2025, the French Parliament officially passed Bill No. 2025-188, making France the second European country after Denmark to systematically regulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These "forever chemicals," notorious for their extreme persistence in the environment and potential health risks, will face phased bans across French markets over the next five years.
Legislative Context and Objectives
PFAS represent a class of highly stable, non-degradable chemicals widely used in industrial and consumer products, including non-stick coatings, food packaging, cosmetics, firefighting foams, and electronics. Recent studies have linked PFAS exposure to endocrine disruption, immune system impairment, and increased cancer risks. Responding to growing public concerns about PFAS contamination, the French government has moved to legislate restrictions protecting public health and environmental safety.
Key Provisions and Measures
1. Product-Specific Bans
Effective January 1, 2026:
- Prohibition on PFAS-containing cosmetics and ski wax production/sales
- Ban on PFAS-treated apparel, footwear, and waterproofing agents (exempting specialized protective equipment for military/firefighting use)
Effective January 1, 2030:
- Textile ban extended to industrial applications (excluding strategic materials and industrial textiles without viable alternatives)
2. Enhanced Drinking Water Monitoring
- Mandatory PFAS testing in tap water supplies
- Regular publication of nationwide PFAS monitoring reports
3. Corporate Emission Regulations
- Enterprises emitting ≥100 grams of PFAS annually will face environmental taxes at €100 per 100 grams
France's PFAS ban underscores its leadership in proactive environmental legislation. As the EU considers bloc-wide PFAS restrictions, France’s pioneering move may accelerate chemical regulation reforms across Europe. With the first bans taking effect in 2026, the global chemical industry faces transformative challenges in developing safer alternatives and adapting to evolving regulatory landscapes.
Further Information
To help businesses build global compliance defenses, ChemRadar proudly launches the Global PFAS Screening Tools.
The Global PFAS Screening Tools contains over 17,000 substances and allows you to search for PFAS substances through four dimensions: CAS number, substance name, molecular formula, and SMILES.
In the future, the database will continue to roll out country - specific screening modules to support businesses in keeping pace with regulatory upgrades in various countries. Stay tuned!
