The Challenge of Diverging PFAS Bans Across EU Member States

One of the biggest challenges facing businesses today is the growing fragmentation of PFAS regulations across the EU. While five member states are working on a universal PFAS restriction under REACH, several individual member states—including France, Germany, and Denmark—are moving ahead with their own national bans. This creates significant hurdles for manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers operating across multiple EU markets.

1. An Uneven Playing Field

With different countries enforcing different timelines and restrictions, companies must navigate a complex web of national rules. For example:

• France has now banned PFAS in cosmetics, ski waxes, and textiles by 2026, with a broader textile ban by 2030.
• Other countries, like Denmark, have already restricted PFAS in food packaging.

Instead of a harmonised EU-wide rule, businesses must comply with multiple, overlapping, and sometimes conflicting regulations—leading to higher costs and operational inefficiencies.

2. Supply Chain Disruptions

For companies manufacturing in or exporting to different EU countries, tracking and adapting to country-specific bans means:

• Increased compliance costs due to extra testing, certification, and regulatory approvals.
• Logistical challenges, as supply chains must be adapted to separate banned products from those still allowed in certain markets.

This fragmented approach effectively splits the EU single market, making it harder for businesses to scale their operations efficiently.

3. Risk of Regulatory Uncertainty

Businesses are now facing a dilemma:

💡 Should they wait for a single EU-wide restriction or start reformulating now to meet stricter national bans?

The problem? No one knows exactly when the EU’s PFAS restriction will be finalised or what exemptions it will include. Companies that wait too long risk sudden supply chain disruptions, while those that act now may have to adjust their formulations again once EU-wide regulations take effect.

What’s the Solution?

To stay competitive, businesses should:

✅ Monitor EU and national regulatory developments and anticipate upcoming changes.

✅ Phase out PFAS where possible, prioritising materials and processes that comply with multiple regulations.

✅ Engage with policymakers and industry groups to push for greater regulatory alignment across the EU.

Until the EU reaches a final decision on PFAS, businesses will need to stay agile, proactive, and adaptable to avoid costly disruptions.