An environmental measure limiting the production and distribution of goods containing perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS) is set to be approved by the French Parliament, marking a “ground-breaking” new piece of EU legislation. PFAS—also referred to as “forever chemicals”—are present in many aspects of daily life, and both the public and the government are concerned about their potential health effects.
The bill, which was redrafted by the Senate in May after being adopted in the National Assembly (the French parliament) in a first round, should be accepted as passed by the Senate and go into effect.
French Minister for Ecological Transition Agnès Pannier-Runacher opened the debate by noting that she supports the bill but urges Parliament to have a balanced discussion and to “avoid generalised hostility to PFAS” and “keep science firmly in mind.”
With the exception of certain industrial textiles or textiles that are “needed for essential use,” the main article of the bill would forbid the manufacture, importation, and sale of different products containing PFAS, including apparel, starting on 1st January 2026.
The measure also contains a clause that would impose taxes on manufacturers whose operations release PFAS in accordance with the “polluter pays” theory.
