France’s new national ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in textiles and footwear has come into force, with a decree clarifying how the restrictions will be applied and confirming that second-hand garments will be exempt from the new rules.
The law, first adopted by the French Parliament in February 2025, prohibits the manufacture, import, export and sale of consumer textiles, footwear and related waterproofing agents containing PFAS above defined residual thresholds. PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals”, are widely used to impart water- and stain-repellent properties to fabrics but are persistent in the environment and have been linked with health risks.
Under the implementing decree published alongside the law’s commencement, used PFAS-treated garments are effectively now out of scope, permitting their continued trade within France’s second-hand clothing market despite the ban. This carve-out reflects recognised tensions between environmental protection goals and circular-economy and reuse strategies, as legacy PFAS residues in pre-existing products are difficult to remove.
Officials have set phased implementation measures as part of the legislation. While the 2026 iteration covers specified consumer items, the broader objective is to phase in a full prohibition on PFAS in all textile products by 2030, subject to exemptions for essential uses and certain high-performance technical textiles.
The French approach represents one of the most comprehensive national steps against PFAS in consumer goods to date, aligning with broader European concerns about persistent pollutants and their impact on both human health and ecosystems.
