• As of January 1, a legislative ban on the manufacture, import, export, and market placement of products containing PFAS is officially in effect.
  • This measure follows a law passed by the Parlement in late February, targeting specific consumer goods such as clothing, footwear, and cosmetics.
  • The regulation aims to curb the distribution of these persistent chemicals, known for their environmental longevity, by restricting their presence in items available to consumers.
  • The implementation marks a significant regulatory step in addressing the availability of these substances within the commercial supply chain.

Quick Summary

Effective immediately, a legislative measure passed by the Parlement has enforced a ban on the production and sale of specific consumer goods containing PFAS. The prohibition covers the manufacturing, importation, exportation, and distribution of these items within the market.

The restriction specifically targets products such as clothing, shoes, and cosmetic items that utilize these chemical compounds. This action represents a regulatory effort to limit the availability of these persistent substances in everyday consumer products.

Legislative Framework and Scope

The new regulation originated from a law voted on by the Parlement at the end of February. This legislative action has now transitioned into an active ban as of the first of January.

The scope of the ban is defined by specific commercial activities. It strictly prohibits:

  • The fabrication of targeted products containing these chemicals
  • The importation of such goods from other regions
  • The exportation of these items to external markets
  • The mise sur le marché (placing on the market) for consumer sale

These measures are designed to disrupt the supply chain of PFAS containing items before they reach the final consumer.

la fabrication, l’importation, l’exportation et la mise sur le marché
— Law voted by the Parlement

Targeted Consumer Products

The legislation focuses on specific categories of consumer goods known to utilize these chemical compounds for durability and resistance. The primary sectors affected include the fashion and beauty industries.

Items specifically mentioned under the new restrictions include:

  • Vêtements (Clothing)
  • Chaussures (Shoes/Footwear)
  • Cosmétiques (Cosmetics)

By targeting these specific categories, the regulation aims to reduce human exposure to PFAS through direct contact with these widely used products.

Implications for the Industry

Manufacturers and retailers must now ensure full compliance with the new standards for the affected product lines. The ban on importation and exportation suggests that the regulation applies to both domestic production and international trade involving these goods.

Businesses involved in the fabrication or distribution of these items face immediate restrictions on their operations. The enforcement of this ban requires a shift in sourcing and production methods to eliminate the use of PFAS in the regulated categories.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did the ban on PFAS-containing products take effect?

The prohibition entered into force on January 1, following a law voted on by the Parlement in late February.

Which products are affected by the new regulation?

The ban specifically targets the manufacture and sale of clothing, footwear, and cosmetics that contain PFAS.