The 2026 rule
From 1 January 2026, French law prohibits covered consumer clothing and footwear containing PFAS above the applicable conditions and thresholds. The implementing decree allows products manufactured before that date to continue being placed on the market or exported for up to twelve months.
Scope needs product classification
The professional FAQ distinguishes consumer products from professional clothing and explains how mixed-material garments and footwear are treated. Product purpose, material components, manufacturing date and market status therefore need to be structured—not inferred from a product name.
Operational controls
- Identify functions where PFAS may have been used, such as water, oil or stain repellency.
- Obtain supplier declarations and test evidence at component or material level.
- Map evidence to the affected SKUs and manufacturing dates.
- Block or route products by destination market and transition status.
- Retain evidence for claims such as “PFAS-free”; do not rely on the absence of a declaration.
What to publish
A public DPP can communicate verified material and care information, but restricted chemical evidence and test reports may require controlled access. Keep the legal decision, evidence and consumer statement as separate governed fields.