PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often called “forever chemicals,” are persistent in the environment and human bodies. Regulatory momentum is increasing globally. In 2025, new bans and restrictions will reshape how everyday goods are made, sold, and labeled.
This article explains key regulatory developments, product categories affected, practical implications, and strategies for consumers and businesses.
What Are PFAS and Why Regulate Them?
PFAS are synthetic chemicals used for stain, grease, water, and heat resistance in items from nonstick cookware to textiles. They bioaccumulate and resist degradation.
Health concerns include liver damage, developmental effects, hormone disruption, increased cholesterol, and cancer risks.
Because traditional regulation has lagged, new focus is on restricting PFAS in products themselves rather than only cleanup.
Major 2025 Regulatory Milestones
European Union / ECHA
- The ECHA has published an updated PFAS restriction proposal aimed at large-scale limits on PFAS in products and processes. (echa.europa.eu)
- Member States have voted to restrict PFAS in firefighting foams in 2025. (echa.europa.eu)
- The European Commission plans a ban on PFAS in consumer products, with some essential-use exemptions. (reuters.com)
United States / State-Level Action
- The EPA plans a rulemaking in fall 2025 and a final PFAS rule in spring 2026 to modify deadlines for drinking water compliance and support utilities. (thompsonhine.com)
- Several states have enacted or will enforce bans on PFAS in consumer goods beginning January 1, 2025. (saferstates.org)
- New York prohibits sale of apparel with intentionally added PFAS after January 1, 2025. (dec.ny.gov)
- California bans new clothing, footwear, and bags containing more than 100 ppm PFAS from 2025, with disclosure rules for outdoor gear. (stinson.com)
- Illinois passed HB 2516, banning use of intentionally added PFAS in cosmetics, juvenile products, menstrual products, and intimate apparel by January 1, 2032. (lawbc.com)
- Some states such as Maine and Minnesota provide “currently unavoidable use” exemptions that allow PFAS use with approval in specified essential applications. (exponent.com)
- In Colorado, from January 1, 2025, outdoor apparel with intentionally added PFAS must have disclosure labels; broader bans come later. (blog.sourceintelligence.com)
Product Categories Affected
| Product Category | What the Regulation Requires | Impact / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apparel, outdoor gear | Ban on intentionally added PFAS; disclosure requirements | New York, California |
| Textiles (bed linens, upholstery) | Tighter PFAS controls under EU and state rules | EU ECHA proposal |
| Cosmetics & personal care | Some bans on PFAS in menstrual and beauty products | Illinois, New Mexico trajectory |
| Food packaging, paper coatings | PFAS-free or restricted PFAS use | Multiple states already ban PFAS in packaging |
| Juvenile products (e.g., car seats, baby gear) | Phased bans or disclosure obligations | Several state bills target these products |
| Firefighting foams & related equipment | Restrictions under EU and U.S. plans | EU restricts PFAS in foams |
What These Bans Mean in Practice
For Businesses & Manufacturers
- Audit PFAS in formulations, coatings, and suppliers.
- Reformulate or source PFAS-free alternatives.
- Comply with labeling and disclosure rules.
- Track staggered deadlines by jurisdiction.
- Justify “essential use” claims where allowed.
For Consumers
- Fewer PFAS-containing products will be available.
- Look for “PFAS-free” or “no intentionally added PFAS” labels.
- Pay attention to local rules on product sales.
- Expect price adjustments as supply chains adapt.
For Regulators & Lawyers
- Enforcement challenges: verifying hidden PFAS in supply chains.
- Litigation risk: companies may challenge bans or exemptions.
- Coordination across jurisdictions (state, EU, national) is critical.
Challenges & Uncertainties
- Alternative chemistries may not always match PFAS performance.
- Defining enforceable thresholds (e.g., 100 ppm) is difficult.
- “Currently unavoidable use” exemptions complicate uniformity.
- U.S. regulation remains patchwork, with states leading.
- Industrial pushback and possible rollbacks under changing administrations.
Looking Ahead: 2026 and Beyond
- The EU is expected to formalize broader PFAS bans with phased timelines.
- In the U.S., the EPA’s final rule in 2026 will shape national PFAS limits.
- More states will expand bans to new product classes.
- Technologies for PFAS detection, alternative materials, and remediation will improve.
Summary
In 2025, regulatory activity around PFAS accelerates. New bans on PFAS in apparel, textiles, and consumer goods will disrupt manufacturers and shift consumer options.
The regulatory landscape remains fragmented — Europe moves toward sweeping bans, U.S. states fill gaps, and federal rulemaking is pending.
Companies, consumers, and policymakers must act proactively to adapt.
Sources
Chemistry World, PFAS regulations for US drinking water are being dismantled …
Source Intelligence, New Global PFAS Regulations: How to Remain Compliant in 2025 blog.sourceintelligence.com
ECHA, ECHA publishes updated PFAS restriction proposal European Chemicals Agency
Reuters, EU plans ban on ‘forever chemicals’ in consumer products Reuters
Paul Hastings, PFAS Legislative and Regulatory Developments—First Quarter 2025 Paul Hastings
Minnesota PCA, 2025 PFAS prohibitions pca.state.mn.us
LawBC / Illinois, Illinois Governor Signs Bill Banning Intentionally Added PFAS… lawbc.com
Exponent, States Identify Exemptions to Bans on PFAS in Consumer Products Exponent
Safer States, States Lead the Way: New PFAS Restrictions Going into Effect in 2025 Safer States
BCLP, PFAS in consumer products: state-by-state regulations BCLP
Environmental Law & Policy, PFAS Regulatory Landscape Update — The Message? Stay Tuned.environmentallawandpolicy.com
EPA, Key EPA Actions to Address PFAS EPA
[…] To understand how PFAS still end up in everyday products—even with new regulations—see our overview of the latest PFAS bans and what they mean for consumers. […]