New European PFAS regulations are about to be introduced! The latest testing method has been released, which directly affects product compliance.

At the end of 2023, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) released a new draft European standard prEN 17681-1:2023 for the determination of PFAS content in textiles, which will replace the current version 2022 after approval. Compared to the 2022 version, the new standard draft has added a step for alkaline hydrolysis of textiles, which will have a significant impact on the testing results of PFAS.

At present, the International Organization for the Management of Restricted Substances in Clothing and Footwear (AFIRM) plans to adopt this method in the upcoming updated List of Restricted Substances (RSL). Meanwhile, an increasing number of brands are specifying prEN 17681-1:2023 as the compliance testing method for PFAS control.

EU REACH continues to tighten restrictions on the use of PFAS

As early as 2009, the European Union began to ban the use of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), followed by bans on perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) from 2020 to 2022. In mid September of 2024, restrictions on substances related to perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) were officially passed.

This regulation prohibits the sale and use of perfluorohexanoic acid in textiles such as raincoats, food packaging, daily necessities such as waterproof spray, skin care&cosmetics, and some fire foam applications (such as training and testing). Relevant parties can find safer alternatives in the transition period of 18 months to 5 years.

Multiple states in the United States issue new legislative requirements

In September 2024, California approved two bills regarding PFAS, one of which added a ban on the manufacture, distribution, or sale of menstrual products containing PFAS to AB 2515, and the other approved AB 347, bringing existing PFAS regulations covering children's products, textiles, and food packaging under the jurisdiction of the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), which will be implemented as early as January 1, 2029. Previously, California's AB 1817 Act, enacted in 2022, explicitly prohibited the manufacture and sale of textiles containing PFAS from January 1, 2025.

In the same month, Washington State released a preliminary draft rule that plans to cease the manufacture, sale, and distribution of most intentionally PFAS containing cleaning agents, car cleaners, and clothing within the state from January 1, 2027, with similar bans in states such as Maine, Colorado, and Connecticut. And it is hoped that from January 31, 2027, annual disclosure obligations will be imposed on manufacturers of items intentionally added with PFAS. Currently, exemption categories include cookware, footwear, functional outdoor clothing, hard surface sealants, travel and entertainment equipment, and personal protective equipment (PPE) for firefighting.

France's PFAS ban is about to be introduced

In May of this year, the French Senate passed a PFAS bill, which requires a ban on the production, import, export, and placement of cosmetics, waxes, non protective textiles, and shoes containing PFAS in France from January 1, 2026. Starting from 2030, all non industrial textiles (such as furniture) containing PFAS will be prohibited. The bill is currently awaiting approval from the National Assembly, and once implemented, PFAS regulation for products launched in France will be stricter than EU standards.