France Bans PFAS in Consumer Products – Australia, It’s Time to Catch Up!

France Leads the Charge on PFAS Ban

France has taken a bold step to eliminate “forever chemicals,” setting an example in environmental leadership. The Eiffel Tower stands tall as a symbol of France’s commitment.
France has enacted one of the world’s most ambitious bans on PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in everyday products [1]. These so-called “forever chemicals” are notorious for resisting natural breakdown and have been linked to serious health risks such as cancer, immune system disruption, and reduced fertility [2]. Starting January 1, 2026, the manufacture, import, and sale of a wide range of PFAS-containing goods – including cosmetics, textiles and footwear, and even ski wax – will be outlawed in France [3]. Only a few essential uses (like protective gear for firefighters and emergency responders) are exempted for now [4], reflecting France’s intent to eliminate non-essential PFAS use in consumer items.

This sweeping law was driven by strong public and political support. Championed by Green Party MP Nicolas Thierry after a citizens’ petition, the PFAS ban sailed through France’s parliament with a vote of 231–51 in favor [5]. Environmental advocates are celebrating the victory – noting that “France is one of the first countries to act on what is both a public health and an environmental crisis, and it should be applauded.” [6] Indeed, France’s proactive stance shows it is putting health and planet first by targeting PFAS pollution at its source. The law even imposes a pollution tax on PFAS emissions and mandates regular PFAS monitoring in drinking water [7][8], further underlining France’s leadership in tackling these persistent chemicals.

What exactly is banned? In short, a lot. From 2026, any cosmetics, apparel (clothing and footwear), or ski wax containing PFAS cannot be produced or sold in France [3]. That means no more PFAS-laden waterproof mascaras or stain-resistant pants on French store shelves. And the law doesn’t stop there – by 2030, it will extend to all textiles treated with PFAS [3], essentially phasing out PFAS in fabrics (with only narrow exceptions for critical safety gear). Initially, lawmakers even considered banning PFAS-based non-stick cookware (like Teflon pans) as part of this bill. However, after heavy industry lobbying – notably by the maker of Tefal pans – the cookware provision was removed from the final law [9]. Even without the cookware ban, France’s PFAS law covers an impressive range of products, striking at major sources of daily PFAS exposure. It’s a landmark move that has inspired pride and hope: France is proving that it’s possible to remove toxic PFAS from consumer goods and protect people and the environment in one bold go.

Australia’s PFAS Gap: Why No Ban Yet?

While we cheer France’s progress, it raises the question: what about Australia? Unfortunately, Australia has taken a far more cautious (some might say lagging) approach to PFAS. Unlike France’s broad ban, Australia currently has no comprehensive restrictions on PFAS in consumer products. In fact, the only PFAS-specific regulation to date is a recent narrow ban on just three compounds – PFOS, PFOA, and PFHxS – which took effect in July 2025 [10]. This targets 3 out of an estimated 14,000 PFAS chemicals, barely scratching the surface of the issue [10]. The vast majority of PFAS types remain completely unregulated in Australian manufacturing and imports. By comparison, the European Union is preparing to phase out all PFAS by 2030 as a class [11], emphasizing how far behind Australia is in addressing these “forever” toxins.

Australian authorities are increasingly aware of the PFAS problem, but action has been slow. A 2025 federal inquiry into PFAS recommended establishing a national PFAS watchdog, setting strict drinking water standards, and even banning PFAS in personal care products like cosmetics [12]. Yet, as of today, none of these recommendations have turned into law. There isn’t even a requirement for product labeling or disclosure when items contain PFAS. The consumer watchdog (ACCC) does not currently test or monitor PFAS in products [13], so Australian shoppers are largely in the dark. This regulatory gap means that many everyday items on Australian shelves still quietly contain PFAS chemicals – a stark contrast to the situation France is rapidly moving toward.

PFAS in Aussie Products – Hiding in Plain Sight: It’s alarming but true that without a ban, PFAS are still widespread in common products in Australia. For example:

• Cosmetics & Body Care: Long-wear and waterproof makeup often owe their staying power to PFAS-based ingredients. Everything from certain mascaras and eyeliners to foundations and lotions can contain PFAS to make them slick or long-lasting – and there’s no rule against it here[13]. That means Australian consumers might unknowingly be applying PFAS to their skin daily.
• Clothing & Outdoor Gear: Many waterproof or stain-resistant fabrics rely on PFAS coatings. Think of your rain jackets, outdoor activewear, or even stain-proof school uniforms – chances are, those that repel water or oil are treated with PFAS [14]. In France, such PFAS-treated textiles are on borrowed time, but in Australia you can buy and wear them without any warning.
• Non-Stick Cookware: The convenient non-stick frying pans and baking trays popular in kitchens are typically coated with PTFE (Teflon), which is a PFAS polymer. France’s lawmakers wanted to curb this, but in Australia Teflon pans are still sold everywhere, meaning PFAS can leach or release fumes at high heat on our stoves [14]. Without regulation, it’s up to consumers to decide if a non-stick omelette is worth the PFAS exposure.
• Food Packaging: That burger wrapper or the paper lining in your meat pie box might be hiding PFAS. Grease-proof fast-food wrappers, takeaway containers, and some baking papers are often treated with PFAS to resist oil and moisture [14]. In Denmark and France, such uses are being banned or phased out, but in Australia we’re still inadvertently tossing PFAS-laced packaging into our meals and environment.

The gap is clear: Australia lacks the robust action that France and some other countries are taking. Australian consumers are left relying on voluntary industry measures or their own vigilance to avoid PFAS. It’s a situation that calls for constructive criticism – not to knock Australia down, but to urge our regulators to pick up the pace. Every year of delay means more PFAS accumulating in our environment and our bodies, given these chemicals don’t break down. Australia’s cautious, case-by-case approach is increasingly out of step with global moves toward sweeping bans in the interest of public health [15]. We have an opportunity to learn from France’s example and protect Australians from needless PFAS exposure in daily life. Why wait?

A PFAS-Free Future: Natural Hemp Alternatives for Body, Clothing & Food 🌿

Hemp-based products – from organic skincare to sustainable fabrics – offer PFAS-free alternatives for health-conscious consumers.
The good news is that we don’t have to sit around for new laws to start making safer choices. Natural alternatives are already here, and our brand is proud to be part of the solution. We believe in harnessing the power of plants – especially hemp, one of the earth’s most sustainable and versatile crops – to create products that keep you healthy and happy without any PFAS or other toxic additives. It’s time to embrace a PFAS-free lifestyle, and it’s easier than you might think.

• Pure Body Care: Ditch the “forever chemicals” in your daily routine by switching to all-natural, hemp-infused body care products. Our range of hemp-based soaps, lotions, and cosmetics contains zero PFAS (and no nasty synthetics), so you can pamper your skin with complete peace of mind. Plant oils and botanical ingredients provide all the performance – moisturising, waterproofing, longevity – without the need for fluorinated chemicals. Your skin will thank you, and so will the planet!
• Hemp Clothing: Instead of wearing PFAS-coated fabrics, choose clothing made from natural fibers. We offer hemp clothing that is comfortable, breathable, and durable – no chemical coatings needed. Hemp fabric is naturally resistant to UV rays and wears in, not out, giving you long-lasting quality without any “stain-proof” toxic treatment. From everyday shirts to outdoor-friendly hemp blends, you can stay stylish and even brave the elements while keeping your wardrobe 100% PFAS-free.
• Kitchen & Food Essentials: You don’t need Teflon or PFAS to cook and store food safely. Opt for PFAS-free cookware and packaging along with organic foods. For example, cast iron or ceramic pans provide non-toxic non-stick surfaces, and our hemp-based food wraps and storage bags offer a sustainable, plastic-free way to keep your food fresh. We also curate hemp-derived superfoods and pantry items that come in eco-friendly packaging, ensuring that what you eat is as pure as nature intended. By choosing natural materials and PFAS-free products in your kitchen, you’re protecting your family’s health with every meal.

From France’s bold action to your home, the message is clear: we can live safely and well without PFAS chemicals. It starts by demanding change at the policy level and also by making conscious choices in the products we buy. France has shown true leadership by banning PFAS in consumer goods – a move we celebrate and hope to see echoed in Australia soon. In the meantime, each of us can close the gap by supporting PFAS-free, sustainable alternatives. Every hemp shirt you wear, every natural cosmetic you apply, and every meal you pack in a non-toxic container is a step toward a healthier future.

Let’s follow France’s lead from the ground up: reject the toxic status quo and choose nature’s way forward. Our brand is dedicated to giving you that choice – with hemp-powered body care, clothing, and food products that prove we never needed those “forever chemicals” to begin with. Together, we can push Australia to join the PFAS-free movement. Until then, we’ll be here, crafting and championing safe, earth-friendly products that put your health and our planet first. Here’s to a future where PFAS bans won’t even be necessary – because we’ll all be living happily PFAS-free!

Sources: France’s PFAS ban details [3][4]; Australia’s PFAS stance [10][15]; PFAS in products [14][13].

France passes law to ban PFAS from 2026 | Aquatech

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