As numerous substances from the group of so-called perpetual chemicals PFAS are classified as harmful to health and the environment, the European Union is planning a far-reaching ban. However, the German economics ministers are against these plans. In their opinion, a blanket ban would have a serious impact on industry and could jeopardize many production processes.
At the Conference of Economics Ministers, most participants spoke out against a general ban on PFAS. The chair of the conference, Baden-Württemberg's Minister of Economic Affairs Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut (CDU), emphasized in Stuttgart that the health risks were being taken seriously. However, a complete ban would bring large parts of industrial production in Europe to a standstill - with possible consequences that would be tantamount to comprehensive deindustrialization.
A blanket ban on PFAS is the wrong approach
Claus Ruhe Madsen (CDU), Economics Minister of Schleswig-Holstein, said after the two-day conference that he was concerned about EU chemicals regulation. “It is causing immense damage to the chemical industry and the value chains that depend on it due to ever-increasing costs, considerable planning uncertainty, innovation and investment backlogs.” A blanket ban on PFAS is the wrong approach. Of the 10,000 substances, 2,000 are completely harmless.
Perfluorinated and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) are artificially produced chemicals that do not occur in nature and are characterized by an exceptionally high resistance. Depending on the compound, they can remain in the environment for long periods of time and gradually accumulate. Scientific studies suggest that certain PFAS may cause liver damage and cancer of the kidneys and testicles, among other things.
Thanks to their water, grease and dirt-repellent properties, PFAS are used in a wide range of products - from outdoor clothing to non-stick cookware and cosmetics. A far-reaching ban is currently being discussed in the EU, although exceptions are to be made for certain applications. Industry associations are expressing concerns: a ban could have a negative impact on technology-intensive sectors.
France as a pioneer in regulation
France has already introduced the first national regulations to restrict PFAS. From January 1, 2026, the use of selected PFAS in cosmetics, ski waxes and textiles will be restricted by law. Further measures are being planned. With these steps, France aims to reduce its environmental impact and set an example within the EU.
In addition to their use in consumer goods, PFAS are also of central importance for numerous industrial processes. They are used in particularly robust seals and corrosion-resistant components, for example, in the chemical industry, mechanical engineering and medical technology. A general ban could therefore also affect safety-critical components and jeopardize the reliability of complex technical systems.
