SG 006/26
On January 1, 2026, France implemented strict controls on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) under Decree No. 2025-1376.
France enacted Law No. 2025-188 (1) on February 27, 2025, banning the use of PFAS in cosmetics, textiles and ski waxes, effective January 2026, with additional restrictions extending to all PFAS-containing textiles by 2030.
To implement this legislation, France recently published Decree No. 2025-1376 of December 28, 2025, relative to the prevention of risks arising from PFAS exposure, in The Official Journal ‘Laws and Decrees’ (JORF) No. 0305 of December 30, 2025, through which the decree was formally published and entered into full legal effect nationwide. Under this decree, effective January 1, 2026, France introduces strict controls on PFAS, often referred to as ‘forever chemicals’. Products manufactured before this date are granted a 12‑month period for inventory clearance.
The regulation prohibits the production, import and sale of PFAS-containing products where safer alternatives are available. The ban covers a broad range of consumer products, including cosmetics, ski waxes, clothing textiles, footwear and related waterproofing agents. The decree requires that products placed on the market meet the three requirements in the table below.
| Substance | Scope | Requirement |
| PFAS |
| ≤ 25 ppb (ug/kg) for any PFAS measured by a targeted analysis, excluding polymers ≤ 250 ppb (ug/kg) for the sum of PFAS by targeted analysis, where applicable with prior degradation of precursors, excluding polymers ≤ 50 ppm (mg/kg) for PFASs*, including polymers *If total fluorine exceeds 50 mg F/kg, proof for the fluorine measured as content of either PFASs or non-PFASs is required, if requested by enforcement authorities |
These values are subject to revision in the event of changes to the technical arrangements established under European Regulations (EC) 1907/2006 or (EU) 2019/1021.
Certain exemptions are permitted for clothing textile and footwear products:
The French approach represents one of the most comprehensive national initiatives to restrict PFAS in consumer products. It underscores the growing concern across Europe about these persistent chemicals, as more countries acknowledge the widespread nature of PFAS contamination and its potential impacts on both human health and the environment. These regulatory developments will require industry stakeholders to adapt, with manufacturers expected to reformulate products to meet the new requirements.
SGS has an extensive global network that provides the necessary PFAS testing services to help clients navigate evolving regulatory requirements. Given that the French decree does not provide an official PFAS substance list, we recommend advanced analytical techniques, including liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), ion chromatography and other testing methods, to test a comprehensive PFAS list and total fluorine that extends beyond the current EU regulatory scope under REACH and POPs, ensuring clients are well‑equipped to demonstrate compliance.
Reference:
A webinar, ‘Building Trust Through PFAS Conformity in Softlines’, was held on January 15, 2026, to guide participants through key concerns regarding the use of PFAS in today’s textile and footwear industry. If you missed it, watch the recording now to gain a solid foundation in PFAS compliance, exploring their applications in softlines, the evolving global regulatory landscape and the latest available test methods.
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 precise, innovative solutions for PFAS testing. Whether you require rapid turnaround times or specialist 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.
PFAS testing is a core service within our IMPACT NOW for sustainability initiative, which brings together solutions under four strategic pillars: climate, nature, ESG assurance and circularity. Under the nature pillar, we offer practical solutions to detect and assess PFAS, enabling better decision-making, regulatory compliance and environmental responsibility. Our goal is to empower businesses to drive meaningful change and meet the rising demands of regulators, stakeholders and conscious consumers.
IMPACT NOW for sustainability embodies our commitment to a climate-neutral, nature-positive and pollution-free future.
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