France has officially brought into effect a nationwide ban on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in textiles and footwear. A new decree has clarified how the restrictions will be enforced and confirmed that second-hand clothing will not be covered under the new rules.

The legislation, approved by the French Parliament in February 2025, bans the production, import, export and sale of consumer textiles, footwear and related waterproofing products that contain PFAS above permitted residual limits. PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” are widely used to provide water and stain resistance but are known for their persistence in the environment and potential health concerns.

According to the implementing decree released with the law’s activation, garments that were treated with PFAS before the ban and are now sold as second-hand items fall outside the scope of the restrictions. This allows continued trade in France’s resale and reuse clothing market, acknowledging the challenge of removing existing PFAS residues from older products.

The exemption highlights the balance policymakers are trying to strike between reducing harmful chemicals and supporting circular economy practices such as reuse and resale. Since PFAS are difficult to eliminate from already manufactured goods, banning second-hand items could conflict with sustainability and waste-reduction goals.

The law includes a phased rollout. The first phase, starting in 2026, applies to specific consumer products, while the long-term aim is to introduce a complete ban on PFAS in all textile products by 2030. Some exemptions may remain for essential applications and certain high-performance technical textiles.