We would like to inform you that the French ban on certain products containing PFAS (“polluants éternels”) has now entered into force, following the publication of the implementing decree in the Journal officiel on 28 December 2025.

1. Entry into force – 1 January 2026‍

In accordance with the law adopted in February 2025, the decree prohibits the manufacture, import, export and placing on the market of PFAS-containing:

• clothing and footwear,
• cosmetics,
• ski waxes,

subject to defined PFAS concentration thresholds and a limited number of exemptions (notably for personal protective equipment, certain technical industrial textiles, and specific medical uses where no substitute exists). (see attached decrees)

2. 12-month transition period for existing stocks

Importantly, the decree provides for a 12-month sell-through period for existing inventories:

Products manufactured before 1 January 2026 may continue to be placed on the market or exported until 31 December 2026.

According to French authorities, this transitional measure is intended to allow companies to clear existing stocks and adapt supply chains to the new requirements.

      3. Exemptions

The decree specifies exemptions for Clothing and footwear textiles incorporating at least twenty percent (20%) of recycled material from post-consumer waste.

Next steps

• Products manufactured from 1 January 2026 onwards must comply fully with the PFAS restrictions.
• The scope of the ban will be extended to all textiles in 2030, subject to further implementing measures and exemptions.