In response to the escalating environmental and health threats posed by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), France has passed landmark legislation to protect the public. These "forever chemicals" have become pervasive in our soil, drinking water, and air, presenting significant long-term health challenges.
The Bill, championed by MP Nicolas Thierry, aims to outlaw specific PFAS-containing products from 2026 and introduce much more rigorous monitoring of the nation's drinking water supplies.
A phased ban on PFAS from 2026
From 1 January 2026, the manufacture, import, export, and sale of products containing PFAS will be prohibited across France. This ban covers cosmetics, firefighting foams, clothing, and various industrial materials. Items containing only negligible trace amounts will be exempt, provided they fall below strict safety thresholds.
Industries are now under pressure to source safer alternatives as a priority. Certain performance fabrics and specialised outdoor gear will be subject to a total ban by 2030.
Why is this action being taken?
PFAS are notorious for their persistence; they simply do not break down in the natural environment. Consequently, they accumulate in water supplies, soil, wildlife, and the human body. Clinical research has linked exposure to kidney and testicular cancers, low birth weight, hormonal imbalances, and weakened immune systems.
From 2026, enhanced customs and health inspections will be rolled out to ensure the ban is upheld. A comprehensive list of prohibited products is set to be published during 2025.
Moving towards a Europe-wide PFAS ban
The French legislation anticipates broader EU restrictions. In 2023, Germany, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, and Sweden jointly proposed a continent-wide ban on the use of PFAS.
Unified health and environmental standards are intended to close regulatory loopholes and prevent unfair competition. Key items such as food packaging and cookware are expected to be prohibited across the EU by August 2026.
Science-led regulation
The 2025 Act is rooted in extensive scientific studies regarding chemical risks. Researchers have issued long-standing warnings about the accumulation of these substances in the food chain and everyday consumer goods.
PFAS include chemicals such as PFOS and PFOA, prized for their water-repellent and heat-resistant properties, but which remain in the environment indefinitely.
- In January 2023, five European nations formally called for more robust EU-level chemical safety laws.
- The initiative aimed to overhaul existing legislation to better address modern pollutants.
- Extensive testing programmes were launched to monitor drinking water, surface water, and groundwater.
The objective was to map contamination and pinpoint industrial sources of PFAS across France and the wider European Union.
Stricter monitoring of drinking water
PFAS contamination is as much a threat to water as it is to soil. From 2026, national health officials will ramp up the monitoring of drinking water quality. An annual public report will be published, detailing water quality and contamination levels by region.
- While current EU rules only monitor 20 specific PFAS compounds, France will now track every detectable variant.
- Regions identified with higher contamination levels will be prioritised for immediate intervention.
These findings will shape new health standards, with the ultimate goal of systematically eliminating PFAS from drinking water within five years.
Holding industry to account
The law enshrines the "polluter pays" principle. Industrial sites found to be discharging PFAS into water systems will face an environmental levy proportionate to their emissions.
The revenue raised will be used to fund local decontamination projects and upgrade water infrastructure, with a target to end all industrial PFAS discharges within five years.
Health and economic implications
Curbing PFAS exposure is expected to yield significant public health dividends. European health bodies have linked these substances to cancer, hormonal disorders, and developmental issues in children.
While some sectors anticipate high transition costs, the phased roll-out is designed to allow businesses time to adapt without compromising the safety of the public or the environment.
Empowering the public through transparency
Starting in 2025, an interactive public map will be launched to highlight contaminated sites, industrial sources, and emission levels, with updates provided annually.
This level of transparency is designed to help the public understand their potential exposure and make more informed choices about the products they buy.
A regulatory pioneer
By passing this Act, France has positioned itself as a leader in chemical regulation, providing a potential blueprint for international action against "forever chemicals."
Individuals can also take proactive steps to limit their exposure. For example, activated carbon filtration systems can be highly effective at removing PFAS from domestic drinking water.
Tackling PFAS addresses a major environmental threat to our water, soil, and air. Coordinated, long-term intervention remains vital to protecting both human health and the natural world.
