While we Italians were wrapping up our New Year’s Eve dinner, our neighbors across the Alps welcomed the new year with a very important measure for public health: from today, 2 January 2026, the ban on PFAS, the infamous “eternal substances” that contaminate water, air, soil and even our blood, is officially in force in France.
A move that comes after over 140,000 citizens asked their deputies to act, leading to the approval of the law on 20 February 2025. Of course, even in this case there are shadows and compromises with industrial lobbies, but a first important step forward has been made and the message is clear: when there is political will and pressure from below, things can be done.
What does French law provide?
French law prohibits the sale, production and import of products for which PFAS-free alternatives exist, such as cosmetics, clothing and ski wax. It also provides for regular checks on drinking water and sanctions for polluters.
So far, so good. But there are exceptions that make you turn up your nose. In fact, high-performance membranes used in industrial and textile processes considered “essential” or linked to national sovereignty remain outside the ban. And above all – and this is the most controversial part – non-stick pans were exempted after intense lobbying pressure.
The first draft of the law included them, but French manufacturer Tefal threw its weight behind it. The company claims that its PTFE coatings are safe, but several studies warn that these coatings can release micro- and nanoplastics into foods during cooking. In short, a missed opportunity.
An important signal, but Europe must do more
As Sandra Bell of CHEM Trust points out:
This ban on PFAS in products like clothing and cosmetics is great news for French citizens concerned about their exposure to these harmful chemicals. The less good news is that some key products such as cookware have been exempted. Now France must firmly support an EU-wide restriction on PFAS, ensuring the inclusion of more products and the protection of citizens of all member states.
And here’s the point. The European Union has been talking about gradually eliminating PFAS for years, but nothing about concrete regulations. And Italy? It remains at a standstill, despite areas such as Veneto having some of the most contaminated aquifers in Europe.
The French ban is a step in the right direction, this must be recognized. It shows that action can be taken when there is popular pressure and political will. But the exemptions obtained by industrial lobbies remind us how difficult it still is to put public health before economic interests.
The real challenge now is to bring this battle to a European level, with broader legislation and without loopholes. Because PFAS know no borders and protecting only French citizens is not enough. We need common, coordinated, courageous action.
And it is needed quickly, because while we argue, these substances continue to accumulate in our bodies and in the environment.
