Last year, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) released a preliminary version of a future ban on PFAS. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are often considered “forever chemicals” due to their long-lasting nature. For the first time, a European country has now passed a law to combat PFAS.
In early April, the Committee on Sustainable Development and Spatial Planning of the French National Assembly unanimously passed a bill aimed at restricting the production and distribution of PFAS-containing products. The law enacted in France consists of three articles.
The first article prohibits the production, import, export, and sale of PFAS-containing products unless alternatives are available. Starting in 2026, PFAS-containing kitchen utensils, ski wax, cosmetics, and clothing are affected, while a general ban on all other textiles will be implemented by 2030. The second article aims to include PFAS in the monitoring parameters for drinking water.
The third article establishes a levy for manufacturers releasing 100 grams or more of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances into the environment. This corresponds to the polluter-pays principle, one of the basic principles of EU environmental policy, which states that polluters must bear the costs of the environmental pollution caused by their activities. This measure was also confirmed by the European Court of Auditors. “The fight is not won yet, but today we have achieved an important first victory against PFAS”, said environmentalist and French MP Nicolas Thierry.
EU Decision Expected by 2028
In January 2023, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden submitted a proposal to restrict forever chemicals to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). Numerous industry representatives – including those from the sealing technology sector – expressed their dissatisfaction and participated in a consultation (IAD reported).
“This proposal from the five authorities supports the ambitions of the EU Chemicals Strategy and the 'Zero Pollution' Action Plan. Our scientific committees will now begin assessing and forming opinions”, said Peter van der Zandt, Director of Risk Assessment at ECHA, in a press release at the time.
However, he regretted that this initiative is subject to a lengthy decision-making process and may only be completed by 2027 or 2028 at best.
