France Enacts PFAS Ban: Restrictions on "Forever Chemicals" in Cosmetics to Take Effect from January 1, 2026

On February 27, 2025, the French Parliament officially passed Bill No. 2025-188, making France the second European country after Denmark to systematically regulate per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These "forever chemicals," notorious for their extreme persistence in the environment and potential health risks, will face phased bans across French markets over the next five years.

Legislative Context and Objectives

PFAS represent a class of highly stable, non-degradable chemicals widely used in industrial and consumer products, including non-stick coatings, food packaging, cosmetics, firefighting foams, and electronics. Recent studies have linked PFAS exposure to endocrine disruption, immune system impairment, and increased cancer risks. Responding to growing public concerns about PFAS contamination, the French government has moved to legislate restrictions protecting public health and environmental safety.

Key Provisions and Measures about Cosmetics

France will implement a comprehensive ban on the manufacture, import, export, and sale of cosmetics containing PFAS, effective January 1, 2026.

France's PFAS ban underscores its leadership in proactive environmental legislation. As the EU considers bloc-wide PFAS restrictions, France’s pioneering move may accelerate chemical regulation reforms across Europe. With the first bans taking effect in 2026, the global chemical industry faces transformative challenges in developing safer alternatives and adapting to evolving regulatory landscapes.

Safeguarding Future Health: Strictly Managing PFAS Risks

As a leading testing and certification service provider in China, CIRS Testing (a wholly owned subsidiary of CIRS Group) has nearly two decades of experience in chemical substance risk assessment and regulatory compliance. Through CNAS/CMA-accredited laboratories and a global technical network, it provides end-to-end PFAS-free certification services – from analytical testing and scientific determinations to regulatory interpretation and international recognition. The one-stop solutions help enterprises overcome technical and trade barriers while confidently demonstrating PFAS-free claims.

? Full Category Coverage

PFAS-free certification services are available for a wide range of products, including:

• Food contact materials (such as packaging paper, and coated tableware);
• Textiles (waterproof fabrics, outdoor apparel);
• Cosmetics (waterproof makeup, and personal care products); and

Plastic products and electronic device casings.

? High Precise Detection

CIRS Testing labs are equipped with a large number of advanced chemical analysis instruments such as LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS, with detection limits down to ppb levels. Our testing covers high-risk PFAS substances, including:

• PFOA
• PFOS
• PFHxS
• PFNA
• PFBS

These methods ensure the scientific reliability of "non-detection" results.s.

? Customized Compliance Solutions

Our PFAS-free certification approach aligns with major international regulations and standards, including:

• EU REACH Regulation (Annex XVII),
• The US EPA PFAS Action Plan
• China's Key New Pollutants Control List
• Japan's Chemical Control Law

Find out more about the PFAS assessment process.

If you need any assistance or have any questions, please get in touch with us via service@cirs-group.com.