France defines PFAS thresholds in new law and draft decree open for public comment
On February 27, 2025, France enacted Law No. 2025-188, a major legislative step aimed at protecting the population from the risks associated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These persistent chemicals are commonly found in cosmetics, textiles, and ski waxes, and have raised growing concerns due to their environmental and health impacts.
To implement the law, the French government released a draft decree in August 2025, detailing the conditions under which PFAS-containing products will be banned. The decree defines residual concentration thresholds that distinguish between intentional use and trace contamination:
- 25 ppb for any individual PFAS measured by targeted analysis (excluding polymers)
- 250 ppb for the sum of PFAS measured by targeted analysis, including degradation of precursors (excluding polymers)
- 50 ppm for PFAS including polymers
Products exceeding these thresholds will be subject to the ban starting January 1, 2026, for cosmetics, ski waxes, and consumer textiles. A broader ban on all PFAS-containing textiles will follow in 2030, with exemptions for essential uses.
The decree also specifies exemptions for certain categories, including:
- Personal protective equipment (PPE) for military, civil security, and industrial use
- Industrial technical textiles
- Medical textiles used in healthcare settings
This draft decree is currently open for public consultation until September 5, 2025, allowing stakeholders to provide feedback before its final adoption. The thresholds may be revised in the future based on technical developments under EU regulations.
Together, the law and decree represent a significant advancement in France’s strategy to reduce PFAS exposure and align with broader European environmental standards.
In this evolving regulatory landscape, stakeholders need reliable partners to navigate complexity and anticipate change.
For cosmetics manufacturers, staying ahead of these regulations is crucial to ensure product safety and regulatory compliance. Eurofins Cosmetics & Personal Care offers advanced analytical services, enabling brands to identify, quantify, and manage PFAS in their formulations and packaging. Our scientific expertise and cutting-edge testing methods provide brands with the data needed to meet regulatory requirements, mitigate risks, and maintain product safety throughout development and market introduction. With a range of techniques developed to target multiple matrices and featuring very low limits of quantification (LOQs), we provide a robust framework for PFAS detection, control, and compliance.