BAAR, SWITZERLAND / AGILITYPR.NEWS / January 29, 2026 / SGS, the world’s leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 006.26, reporting on France’s update of controls on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

The PFAS family of chemicals, known as ‘forever chemicals,’ is increasingly restricted due to the serious health risks they pose. France’s Decree No. 2025-1376, effective from January 1, 2026, prohibits the production, import and sale of PFAS-containing products, including cosmetics, ski waxes, clothing textiles, footwear and related waterproofing agents. Additional restrictions extend to all PFAS-containing textiles by 2030.

Some exemptions have been granted for clothing textile and footwear products:

• Personal protective equipment (PPE) under EU Regulation 2016/425, including PPE and combat equipment for the armed forces, internal security and civil protection services
• Waterproofing agents used for re-waterproofing the PPE mentioned above
• Clothing textiles and footwear that contain at least 20% post‑consumer recycled material, with PFAS content limited to residue levels originating from the recycled material and proportional to the amount used

France is taking one of the most comprehensive approaches to PFAS restrictions in Europe, where growing concern is leading to expanded regulatory control. Industry stakeholders will be required to adapt their products to meet the new requirements.

SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 006.26 provides additional information on the legislative background of Decree No. 2025.1376, along with a helpful table outlining applicable substances, scope and requirements. In light of the absence of an official list of PFAS in the French decree, further information is included on recommended testing methodology to ensure businesses demonstrate compliance beyond the current EU regulatory scope under REACH and persistent organic pollutant (POP) legislation.

Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 006.26 for more details.

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SGS has a worldwide network of over 40 state-of-the-art laboratories, including 10 in China, specializing in the testing of apparel, footwear, and home textiles. Their committed team is drawn from multi-disciplinary backgrounds, allowing them to conduct a comprehensive range of physical, chemical, and functional testing services for components, materials and finished products. SGS helps companies ensure quality, performance, and compliance with international, industrial, and regulatory standards worldwide. In the end, it’s only trusted because it’s tested. Learn more about SGS’s softlines services.

SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full France Publishes Updated PFAS Regulation for Consumer Products SafeGuardS.

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For further information, contact:

Dr. Min Zhu

Senior Director, Technical Services and Operations

Softlines, US and Canada

Tel: +1 (97) 346-11230

Website: www.sgs.com/softlines

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