French Ban on PFAS in Cosmetics & Intense Environmental Monitoring
The bill to ban many products containing PFAS was definitively adopted by the French National Assembly. As the National Assembly adopted the text in the same terms as the Senate, the bill is considered definitively adopted. All that is missing is the presidential signature for it to become law.
French Ban on PFAS in Cosmetics & Intense Environmental Monitoring
From 1 January 2026, PFAS will be banned in the manufacture, import, export and placing on the market of:
- cosmetics
- wax products for skiing
- clothing, footwear and water-repellent waterproofing agents (and from 2030 in all textiles, except protective equipment for defence and emergency services)
The text does not include kitchenware and cookware, which were initially included in the proposal.
Monitoring Plan & Actions on Water for Human Use
The Minister of Risk Prevention, in cooperation with the Minister of Health, shall produce and publish online, with annual updates, a map listing all sites where discharges and emissions of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances have occurred. The map, when available, will include quantitative data, remediation measures and maximum permitted thresholds. Companies that discharge PFAS will be fined in proportion to the grams of PFAS released into the environment.
In addition, within one year of the promulgation of the law, the Government will submit a report to Parliament with proposals to update the health standards for water for human consumption, taking into account perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances.
Consequences for Industries
Manufacturers, importers and retailers must prepare for new challenges: cosmetics brands will have to replace PFAS-based ingredients, while textile companies will have to find alternative waterproofing technologies. Industrial plants must implement PFAS reduction strategies to avoid penalties and comply with discharge limits.
A Fragmented European Framework
Pending the outcome of the request for a universal restriction of PFAS submitted by some Member States under REACH, other Member States, such as France in this case, are proceeding with national bans. As different countries apply different timelines and restrictions, companies have to navigate a complex web of national regulations.
Possible Solutions?
Monitoring the international legislative framework and being aware of PFAS in products, but also in discharges, emissions and waste.
Mérieux NutriSciences performs PFAS testing in cosmetics, as well as in all environmental matrices (water, emissions, waste, soil) and packaging.
