French MPs have adopted a bill to protect the public from the risks associated with PFAS - the notorious so-called ‘forever chemicals’ that have contaminated soil, groundwater and surface water in locations across the globe. It bans their use in three product categories and imposes a charge on industrial water discharges under the 'polluter pays' principle.
The new PFAS legislation - “Prevention of risks resulting from exposure to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances -
introduces strict bans on cosmetics, textiles, and ski waxes starting in 2026, with broader restrictions in 2030. The law excludes kitchenware after an intensive lobbying campaign by Tefal’s parent company.
Industrial discharges must be eliminated within five years, and water monitoring will be expanded. Businesses must act now to adapt their operations, reformulate products, and ensure compliance with these new environmental standards.
Manufacturers in cosmetics, textiles, and industrial sectors must reformulate products and replace PFAS with safer alternatives. Those in regulated sectors, such as protective textiles, may be eligible for exemptions, but all companies should prepare for increased scrutiny and compliance costs.
Industrial facilities releasing more than 100 grams of PFAS into water annually will face a pollution fee of €100 per 100 grams. Additionally, companies failing to comply with product bans may face enforcement actions, including fines and market restrictions.
The government will annually compile and update a map showing the sites that have emitted or continue to emit PFAS. This map will be available to the public on line and includes, where available, quantitative measurements of the emissions of these substances into the environment.
Moreover, the regional health agencies in France will be required to publish an annual report containing the results of analyses performed to establish the perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl
levels in water intended for human consumption, in particular bottled water, as well as the results of this program. Based on these results, the Health Minister will issue a national report each year on the quality of France’s tap drinking water ‘with regard to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances’.
The French government plans to finance the new programme through the creation of an additional tax on tobacco.