France introduced a far-reaching ban on PFAS (‘forever chemicals’) on 1 January 2026 to better protect people and the environment from these long-lasting pollutants.

The law prohibits the sale, manufacture and import of products for which PFAS-free alternatives already exist, including cosmetics, clothing and other everyday items. In addition, authorities are to regularly test drinking water for all types of PFAS and impose fines on polluters. Exceptions apply to high-performance membranes and certain essential textiles, among other things. However, there has been criticism that key product groups are missing from the final law, and calls for an EU-wide solution.

Source: https://www.euronews.com/green/2026/01/01/frances-ban-on-forever-chemicals-comes-into-force-tomorrow-heres-what-will-change (last accessed Jan 6th, 2026)