2026 Regulatory Landscape
2026 marks a pivotal year for PFAS regulation globally. Multiple major restrictions have come into force, with the most comprehensive EU-wide proposal still under review. This page tracks all significant regulatory developments affecting PFAS manufacture, use, and disposal.
Key Update: January 2026
France's PFAS ban in cosmetics, textiles, and ski wax is now in effect. The EU drinking water directive's PFAS monitoring requirements are also active across all member states.
Active Regulations
Active France PFAS Ban
Effective: January 1, 2026
Scope: Prohibits PFAS in cosmetics, textiles (clothing), and ski wax products sold in France. First national-level product ban in the EU.
Active EU Drinking Water Directive
Effective: January 12, 2026
Limits: 0.5 μg/L for total PFAS, 0.1 μg/L for sum of 20 specific PFAS. Member states must monitor and report PFAS levels in drinking water supplies.
Active Stockholm Convention - PFHxS
Effective: December 2023
Scope: Global ban on production and use of perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), its salts, and related compounds.
Upcoming Regulations
Under Review EU Universal PFAS Restriction
Expected: 2025-2027 implementation
Scope: The most comprehensive PFAS restriction proposal globally. Would restrict manufacture, sale, and use of all PFAS with limited exemptions. ECHA scientific committees reviewing through 2025.
April 2026 PFHxA Restrictions
Effective: April 2026
Scope: EU/EEA restrictions on undecafluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) and related substances in consumer products.
December 2026 Stockholm Convention - C9-C21 PFCAs
Effective: December 2026
Scope: Global ban on long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) with 9-21 carbon atoms.
Regulatory Timeline
PFOA Global Ban
Stockholm Convention adds PFOA to Annex A, initiating global phase-out.
EU Drinking Water Directive Adopted
New directive includes PFAS limits for the first time in EU water policy.
Universal PFAS Restriction Proposed
Five EU countries submit comprehensive PFAS restriction proposal to ECHA.
PFHxS Global Ban
Stockholm Convention ban on PFHxS enters into force globally.
France PFAS Ban & EU Water Monitoring
France's product ban takes effect. EU drinking water PFAS monitoring begins.
PFHxA Restrictions
EU restrictions on PFHxA in consumer products.
Long-Chain PFCA Ban
Stockholm Convention ban on C9-C21 PFCAs enters into force.
EU Universal PFAS Restriction
Expected implementation of comprehensive EU PFAS restriction with transition periods.
Regulations by Country
Germany
Co-author of EU restriction proposal. State-level groundwater limits.
Netherlands
Co-author of EU restriction. Strict drinking water standards.
Denmark
Co-author of EU restriction. Food contact material limits.
Sweden
Co-author of EU restriction. Pioneer in PFAS research.
Norway
Co-author of EU restriction (EEA member).
France
First EU country with product-specific PFAS ban.
United States
The US EPA has established drinking water limits for several PFAS compounds and designated PFOA and PFOS as hazardous substances under CERCLA (Superfund). Multiple states have enacted their own PFAS regulations, often stricter than federal standards.
Other Regions
- Canada: Proposed prohibition of certain PFAS under CEPA
- Australia: National PFAS management plan, firefighting foam phase-out
- Japan: PFOA and PFOS designated as Class I Specified Chemical Substances
- South Korea: PFOA and PFOS restricted under K-REACH
Industry Implications
The evolving regulatory landscape has significant implications for industries that manufacture, use, or are otherwise exposed to PFAS:
- Cosmetics: Must reformulate products sold in France; broader EU restrictions expected
- Textiles: Phase-out of PFAS-based water repellents required in France
- Firefighting: Transition to fluorine-free foam accelerating globally
- Food packaging: Multiple jurisdictions restricting PFAS in food contact materials
- Electronics: Limited exemptions expected under EU universal restriction
- Water utilities: Investment needed to meet new drinking water limits