Global PFAS Bans: Risks, Deadlines, and Textile Impact

Regulatory pressure is mounting to eliminate PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) from textiles worldwide. These chemicals, once valued for their ability to make garments water- and stain-resistant are now the subject of extraordinary scrutiny for their environmental persistence and impact on human health. For the textile industry, understanding evolving bans and compliance requirements are essential.

This article provides a focused, market-relevant overview of PFAS bans in textiles across key global regions.

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Why Are PFAS Bans Targeting the Textile Sector?‍

PFAS are used by textile and apparel manufacturers to add water, oil, and stain repellency to garments, footwear, and household textiles. However, their persistence means they accumulate in the environment and living organisms, with links to adverse health effects. Textiles have become a significant source of PFAS pollution globally, bringing increasing regulatory attention and consumer demand for transparency.

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PFAS Textile Regulations: Global Map

European Union: Universal Ban Proposal Under REACH
The EU/EEA restricted C9-14 PFCAs and related substances in February 2023, following a proposal by German and Swedish authorities. Restrictions on PFHxA and related substances will begin in April 2026, based on a 2019 German proposal and ECHA's 2021 opinion. Additionally, Germany, Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Sweden proposed broader PFAS restrictions in January 2023, which are currently under ECHA's review.

On 8 July 2025, the European Commission presented an Action Plan for the Chemicals Industry, including a revision of the REACH Regulation by Q4 2025 and a proposal to restrict PFAS comprehensively. The plan aims to simplify EU chemicals legislation and boost innovation. The updated EU REACH proposal now includes technical textiles, sealing applications, and other industrial uses.

France: National Ban (Law No. 2025-188)

From January 2026: Ban on manufacture, import, export, and sale of PFAS-containing textiles, footwear, and waterproofing agents for consumers. Exemptions for military and first responder protective gear.
From January 2030: Ban is extended to all textiles; further limits or exemptions possible.
Penalties: Fines up to €15,000 and €1,500/day. Non-compliant products can be pulled from the market.

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Denmark: Targeted Ban

Effective July 2025: Ban on PFAS in clothing, shoes, and waterproofing agents for consumer use (excludes professional and safety gear).
Transition and implementation from July 2026: One-year transition for businesses that are prohibited to sell or import these articles from July 2026, with the option to continue to sell from existing stock for an additional 6 months.

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Other EU Countries

Most are following the EU REACH restriction process, with additional national bans on certain PFAS sub-groups (e.g., PFCA and PFHxA) in select cases as interim measures.

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United States (Selected States)

As of November 10th, 2025, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has proposed revisions to PFAS reporting requirements under TSCA, potentially delaying reporting deadlines and proposed exemptions. The agency is also proposing technical corrections to clarify what must be reported in certain data fields and to adjust the data submission period.

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California (AB-1817 law): Ban on intentionally added PFAS in all textiles from January 2025.

Progressive prohibitions from 2025 to 2028
- Prohibition to sell Juvenile products (<12 years old) containing intentionally PFAS over 100 ppm by July 2023
- Prohibition of selling garments containing intentionally added PFAS at 100 parts per million (ppm) by 2025, and 50ppm by 2027.
- Apparel for severe wet conditions containing PFAS is prohibited by 2028.
Claim obligation
- Any apparel for severe wet conditions containing PFAS should wear a warning label with the statement “Made with PFAS chemicals” from 2025 to 2028.
Claim limitations
- Green labelling limited for products containing PFAS

More chemicals are affected by prohibition in California

From 2023 Jan. 1: clothing, bedding, mattresses, and school supplies marketed to those below 12 years old should restrict asbestos, benzene, or tris (1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate—all classified as potentially harmful to human health by the EPA.

New York (S1322 Bill): PFAS Ban on apparel with exemptions for outdoor gear until 2028.

Colorado (SB24-081): Gradual phase-out of PFAS in outdoor clothing, leading to a full ban by 2028.

Maine (LD1537 Bill)

Progressive ban from 2026 to 2032:
- Ban on intentionally added PFAS in all textile articles (with exception) from January 2026, and on outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions unless accompanied with a disclosure: "Made with PFAS chemicals."
- An overall phase out is scheduled for January 2032

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Asia-Pacific

As of mid-2025, no comprehensive, region-wide bans target textile industry in China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand, though specific PFAS compounds (such as PFOA, PFOS) are banned to fulfill Stockholm Convention commitments and the regulatory landscape continues to evolve in these countries.

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How Trimco Group Can Support Brands in PFAS Compliance

Staying ahead of global PFAS regulation requires agile supply chain management, transparent documentation, and proactive stakeholder communication. Trimco Group ProductDNA®’s solution enables textile brands to:

‍Trace Materials and Suppliers: Map and document every supply chain tier, ensuring full material visibility and proof of compliance for all fabric suppliers. ‍
Centralize Testing and Certifications: Log and manage all lab results and chemical certificates linked to individual purchase orders and style numbers, supporting traceability and audit-readiness. ‍
Compliance Dashboards: Monitor, in real time, the status of all product lines relative to the latest PFAS regulatory thresholds, with documentation easily exported for authorities. ‍
Consumer Transparency: Enable QR code-driven digital product passports for end-to-end transparency and support for green claims

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