The French Parliament is poised to approve a ground-breaking environmental bill that limits the production and sale of goods containing perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals.” The legislation, which has already passed the National Assembly and was revised by the Senate in May, is expected to be officially adopted soon.

PFAS are widely used in apparel, cookware, and industrial products but have raised concerns due to their persistence in the environment and potential health risks. French Minister for Ecological Transition, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, emphasized the need for a science-based approach, cautioning against blanket hostility toward PFAS while supporting the bill.

The legislation, set to take effect on January 1, 2026, bans the manufacture, import, and sale of PFAS-containing products, including apparel—except for essential industrial textiles. Additionally, it introduces a “polluter pays” tax on manufacturers whose operations release PFAS into the environment.